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

Year	Winner	Score	Runner-up	Score
2021	Jon Rahm	25	Ryan Palmer	26
2020	Cancelled	N/A	N/A	N/A
2019	Lucas Bjerregaard	22	Tom Watson	22
2018	Tom Watson	21	Tommy Fleetwood	21
2017	Matt Kuchar	23	Thomas Pieters	23
2016	Jimmy Walker	19	Daniel Berger	19
2015	Kevin Streelman	21	Cameron Tringale	21
2014	Ryan Moore	21	Kevin Stadler	21
2013	Ted Potter Jr.	24	Phil Mickelson	24
2012	Jonathan Byrd	21	Rory McIlroy	21

Masters Par 3 Contest Course

Year	Course	Yardage	Par	Record Score	Golfer
2021	Augusta National	1,060	27	20 (-7)	Jon Rahm
2020	Cancelled	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
2019	Augusta National	1,060	27	22 (-5)	Lucas Bjerregaard
2018	Augusta National	1,060	27	21 (-6)	Tom Watson
2017	Augusta National	1,060	27	23 (-4)	Matt Kuchar
2016	Augusta National	1,060	27	19 (-8)	Jimmy Walker
2015	Augusta National	1,060	27	21 (-6)	Kevin Streelman
2014	Augusta National	1,060	27	21 (-6)	Ryan Moore
2013	Augusta National	1,060	27	24 (-3)	Ted Potter Jr.
2012	Augusta National	1,060	27	21 (-6)	Jonathan Byrd

Most Wins in Masters Par 3 Contest

Golfer	Wins
Tom Watson	2
Jimmy Walker	1
Lucas Bjerregaard	1
Matt Kuchar	1
Kevin Streelman	1
Ryan Moore	1
Ted Potter Jr.	1
Jonathan Byrd	1
Jon Rahm	1

Lowest Individual Scores

Golfer	Year	Score
Jimmy Walker	2016	19 (-8)
Tom Watson	2018	21 (-6)
Jonathan Byrd	2012	21 (-6)
Ryan Moore	2014	21 (-6)
Lucas Bjerregaard	2019	22 (-5)
Matt Kuchar	2017	23 (-4)
Ted Potter Jr.	2013	24 (-3)
Jon Rahm	2021	25 (-2)
Kevin Streelman	2015	21 (-6)
Tom Watson	2019	22 (-5)

Notable Runner-ups

Year	Runner-up	Golfer	Score
2021	Ryan Palmer	26	Jon Rahm
2019	Tom Watson	22	Lucas Bjerregaard
2018	Tommy Fleetwood	21	Tom Watson
2017	Thomas Pieters	23	Matt Kuchar
2016	Daniel Berger	19	Jimmy Walker
2015	Cameron Tringale	21	Kevin Streelman
2014	Kevin Stadler	21	Ryan Moore
2013	Phil Mickelson	24	Ted Potter Jr.
2012	Rory McIlroy	21	Jonathan Byrd
2021	Ryan Palmer	26	Jon Rahm