Patrick Reed stunned golf fans worldwide on June 12, 2025, by sinking one of the rarest shots in the sport during the opening round of the U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club. The 34-year-old American, known for his tenacity and skill, executed a breathtaking double eagle — also called an albatross — from 286 yards out on the par-5 fourth hole, a feat that has only been accomplished three times before in the history of the U.S. Open since official records began in 1983.
The shot was nothing short of spectacular. Reed, who plays in the Saudi Arabia-backed LIV Golf League and is currently ranked No. 59 in the PGA Tour world rankings, hit a fairway wood that soared high into the air, landing on the green some 30 feet below the hole. The ball then took a few hops before rolling straight into the cup, leaving the crowd and Reed himself momentarily speechless. As he looked around, unsure if the ball had gone in, the roaring applause from the spectators confirmed the historic moment.
ESPN highlights that only a few hundred albatrosses are made worldwide each year, making this shot even more extraordinary when compared to the more than 30,000 holes-in-one recorded annually. Reed's achievement places him alongside a unique group of golfers who have etched their names in U.S. Open lore: T.C. Chen, who made the first recorded albatross in 1985 at Oakland Hills; Shaun Micheel, who pulled off the feat in the 2010 final round at Pebble Beach; and Nick Watney, who did so in the 2012 first round at Olympic Club.
Reed’s albatross was not only a highlight of the tournament but also a pivotal moment in his round. It propelled him from one-over par to two-under par instantly, elevating him to a tie for fifth place on the leaderboard. This remarkable swing in momentum could prove critical as the week unfolds at Oakmont, a course renowned for its punishing difficulty. Early rounds have already seen an average score of more than five over par, underscoring the challenge that lies ahead for all competitors.
Oakmont Country Club, with its famously tough layout and strategic hazards like the Church Pew bunkers, has long been a test of golfing excellence. Reed’s tee shot on the fourth hole was measured at 332 yards, expertly avoiding these bunkers and setting him up perfectly for his historic second shot. The 622-yard par-5 hole demands precision and power, and Reed delivered both with remarkable poise.
Patrick Reed’s career highlights add context to this momentous shot. The 2018 Masters champion has been a consistent presence in major tournaments, with a tied-second finish at the 2017 PGA Championship and a fourth-place finish at the 2018 U.S. Open among his notable performances. A nine-time winner on the PGA Tour, Reed’s most recent victory came in November 2024 at the Hong Kong Open, signaling that his game remains sharp and competitive.
Despite the buzz around his participation in the LIV Golf League, Reed continues to make waves on the major championship stage. This albatross marks the first double eagle in a major since Nick Watney’s in 2012, and it’s arguably one of the longest shots of its kind ever recorded at the U.S. Open.
The rarity of the albatross cannot be overstated. Golf historians and enthusiasts alike marvel at the shot’s difficulty, as it requires a player to hole out in two strokes on a par-5 hole — a challenge that demands both exceptional distance and pinpoint accuracy. Reed’s success on this front has sparked excitement among fans and analysts, who are eager to see how this momentum might influence the remainder of the tournament.
Reed’s reaction to the shot was a mix of surprise and delight. Rather than an immediate celebration, he exhibited a moment of bemusement, looking skyward and then pointing down as if questioning whether the ball had truly found the bottom of the cup. This humble response only added to the drama of the moment, highlighting the surreal nature of achieving such a rare feat at one of golf’s most prestigious events.
As the 2025 U.S. Open continues, all eyes will be on Reed to see if this historic albatross can be a catalyst for a deep run at Oakmont. The course’s difficulty means that every stroke counts, and moments like these can shift the tide in a tournament known for its intensity and unpredictability.
Patrick Reed’s albatross has already secured its place in golf history, joining an exclusive club of players who have achieved the extraordinary under the highest pressure. This shot is a reminder of the magic that golf can produce — a blend of skill, chance, and the thrill of witnessing something truly exceptional.
While the tournament is far from over, and the leaderboard remains crowded with talent, Reed’s remarkable double eagle will be talked about for years to come. It encapsulates the drama and excitement of major championship golf and sets the stage for what promises to be a thrilling week at Oakmont Country Club.
