OAKMONT, Pa. – In a stunning display of skill during the first round of the U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club, Patrick Reed achieved only the fourth double-eagle, or albatross, in the event’s recorded history. He accomplished this remarkable feat on the par-5 fourth hole after sending his second shot soaring 286 yards with a fairway wood, which bounced three times before rolling into the hole.
Reed appeared momentarily stunned by his shot, raising his arm in disbelief as he sought confirmation if his ball had found the bottom of the cup. The eruption of applause from fans at the green provided him the answer.
With this double-eagle, Reed mirrors the achievements of past golf greats, including T.C. Chen, who accomplished it in 1985 at Oakland Hills; Shaun Micheel at Pebble Beach in 2010; and Nick Watney in 2012 at Olympic. Such instances are not only rare in the U.S. Open but also in golf as a whole, as only a few hundred double-eagles are recorded globally each year in comparison to over 30,000 holes-in-one.
This accomplishment reflects Reed’s prowess on the golf course and adds to the excitement of the tournament, as fans eagerly await more memorable moments. Reed’s achievement serves as a reminder of the uniqueness of golf, where remarkable skills can lead to unforgettable moments.