Masters Par 3 Contest

The Masters Par 3 Contest is a beloved tradition that takes place annually at Augusta National Golf Club, just days before the prestigious Masters Tournament. This lighthearted event provides a unique and relaxed atmosphere for both golfers and fans, showcasing the beauty of the course while adding an element of fun to the week-long golf spectacle.

I. Origins and History

The Masters Par 3 Contest has been a part of the Masters Tournament since its inception in 1960. It was introduced by then-Tournament Chairman Clifford Roberts as a way to engage with fans and create a more intimate connection between the players and the spectators.

II. Format

The Par 3 Contest is a nine-hole event, and participants include both current Masters competitors and past champions. The contest typically takes place on the Wednesday preceding the Masters Tournament’s first round. Players are encouraged to bring their friends, family, and even their children to serve as caddies, adding to the event’s relaxed and familial ambiance.

III. The Course

The Par 3 Course at Augusta National is a picturesque gem in its own right. It features smaller greens, shorter holes, and meanders around the serene DeSoto Springs Pond and Ike’s Pond. The course showcases the same meticulous attention to detail and immaculate conditioning that characterizes the main course at Augusta National.

IV. Tradition and Fun

One of the most endearing aspects of the Par 3 Contest is the opportunity for players to let loose and have fun. Spectators can often witness players attempting trick shots, hitting shots with their non-dominant hand, or involving their caddies in various antics. It provides a delightful contrast to the seriousness of the main tournament.

V. Honorary Starters

The Masters Par 3 Contest also includes the tradition of honorary starters, where legendary golfers are invited to hit ceremonial tee shots to open the event. Notable honorary starters have included golfing icons like Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Gary Player.

VI. Records and Achievements

Over the years, some memorable moments and records have been established at the Par 3 Contest. For instance, Sam Snead won the inaugural event in 1960, and the record for the lowest nine-hole score is 19, achieved by Art Wall in 1965 and by Gay Brewer in 1973.

VII. Superstitions and the Par 3 Jinx

It is said that winning the Par 3 Contest might bring bad luck in the Masters Tournament itself. The “Par 3 jinx” is a superstition that no golfer has ever won the Par 3 Contest and the Masters Tournament in the same year. This peculiar belief adds an extra layer of intrigue to the event.

VIII. Notable Moments and Highlights

Over the years, the Masters Par 3 Contest has been the stage for several remarkable moments and heartwarming highlights:

• In 2018, Tom Watson, at the age of 68, won the Par 3 Contest with his caddie, his grandson, Michael Greller. The moment captured the hearts of golf fans worldwide, showcasing the multi-generational appeal of the event.
• In 2016, the contest was called off due to bad weather for the first time in its history. This rare cancellation only added to the Par 3 Contest’s mystique.
• Iconic moments like Jack Nicklaus’ hole-in-one in 2015 at the age of 75 remind us that even the golf legends still have the magic touch on the shorter course.

IX. Impact on the Masters Tournament

While the Par 3 Contest may be a lighthearted and fun event, it plays a significant role in setting the stage for the Masters Tournament. It provides players with an opportunity to get a feel for the course’s greens, test their short game, and bond with their caddies and fellow competitors. The relaxed atmosphere can also help players ease into the pressure-cooker environment that awaits them in the main tournament.

Masters Par 3 Contest Winners

Masters Par 3 Contest Course

Most Wins in Masters Par 3 Contest

Lowest Individual Scores

Notable Runner-ups