OAKMONT, Pa. – On Thursday, June 12, 2025, Patrick Reed etched his name into golf history by scoring an albatross during the first round of the 125th U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania.
The remarkable feat occurred on the par-5 fourth hole, a daunting 568-yard challenge known for its punishing “Church Pews” bunkers. Standing 286 yards from the pin, Patrick Reed, the 2018 Masters champion, unleashed a stunning fairway wood shot that landed on the green and rolled perfectly into the cup for a score of 2. This albatross, also known as a double eagle, marked only the fourth in U.S. Open history, the first since Nick Watney’s in 2012, and sent shockwaves through the golfing world.
Reed’s albatross was a pivotal moment, transforming his scorecard from +1 to -2 in a single swing, tying him for fourth place at the time, just two strokes behind leader J.J. Spaun. The shot showcased Reed’s precision and mental fortitude, qualities that have defined his career despite his polarizing persona and limited visibility on the LIV Golf Tour. Oakmont’s brutal rough and massive greens demand exceptional skill, and Reed’s ability to navigate the course’s challenges highlighted his short-game prowess, often considered among the best in golf.
The golf community erupted with excitement, with social media posts capturing the moment’s magnitude for Patrick Reed. Commentators, like Viaplay’s Anders Sjöstrand, called it “monumental” and “perfect,” underscoring its rarity—albatrosses are scarcer than holes-in-one, with only four recorded in the U.S. Open compared to 53 aces.
Reed’s performance at Oakmont, a course where he missed the cut in 2016, signaled his intent to contend for a second major title. Despite a disappointing back nine for some competitors like Rory McIlroy, Reed’s albatross fueled momentum, positioning him as a dark horse in a stacked field led by Scottie Scheffler and Bryson DeChambeau. As the tournament progressed, all eyes remained on Patrick Reed, whose historic shot at Oakmont reaffirmed his knack for shining under pressure.
J.J. Spaun continues to rest atop the leaderboard.
