The impossible made possible
In what can only be described as a statistical miracle, Waratah amateur golfer Chris Jardine has achieved what most professional golfers never will - recording his second career albatross during a competition round last Saturday. The odds of such an accomplishment are so remote they're almost incomprehensible to the average sports enthusiast.
Defying astronomical odds
The probability of an amateur golfer scoring an albatross stands at approximately 6,000,000 to 1, making it significantly rarer than even a hole-in-one, which occurs at odds of around 13,000 to 1. For those unfamiliar with golf terminology, an albatross represents scoring three-under-par on a single hole, achievable only by either holing out in two shots on a par five or scoring a hole-in-one on a par four.
What makes Jardine's latest achievement at Waratah Golf Club particularly extraordinary is the challenging circumstances surrounding it. On the 460 metre par-five 16th, Jardine found himself in trouble after what he described as "a bad bounce" that left him in the rough. Rather than attempting an ambitious shot toward the green, his intentions were purely practical.
"I wasn't even thinking about getting it on the green," Jardine recalled. "I just wanted to get it out so I could have a third shot."
The shot heard around the club
From 170 metres out in the rough, with his vision partially obstructed by trees, Jardine executed what would become one of the most remarkable shots in recent local golf memory. He flushed a seven-iron that landed on the front of the green, rolled steadily toward the hole, and disappeared from view.
"My vision was obscured by the trees," Jardine explained. "I looked at my mate and he said: 'did that go where I think it went?'"
The 46-year-old golfer, who plays off a handicap of one, went on to finish the round at four under par, winning the stableford competition with 41 points. His first albatross in 2023 came under more conventional circumstances at the 12th hole, where he used a driver and eight iron that pitched next to the hole and hopped straight in.
A golfer with remarkable talent
Jardine's extraordinary achievements don't stop with albatrosses. The former Waratah club champion, who won back-to-back championships in 2022-23, has also recorded four hole-in-ones throughout his career, including two in a single week.
"I got lucky with two nine-irons at the third hole a week apart," he modestly stated.
As Jardine prepares for the prestigious WE Alexander Open on November 29-30, he remains grounded about his prospects in the 36-hole vardon event, which attracts the best amateur golfers from Hunter and Sydney regions.
"It is the tournament all Waratah players want to win and it's the hardest to win," Jardine acknowledged. "I was fourth in 2023 when Josh Boaz won it. I'm looking forward to it, but have no expectations."
With characteristic understatement, he added: "If I have a few albatrosses, I might be a chance."
Jardine's achievements serve as a stunning reminder that in sport, as in life, the near-impossible can sometimes become reality through skill, persistence, and perhaps just a touch of that elusive golfing magic.
