by LARRY HALL
AUGUSTA, Georgia – The Masters Par 3 Contest, first played in 1960, has grown into one of golf’s most cherished traditions. Held each year on Wednesday, it serves as the unofficial prelude to Sunday’s pursuit of the green jacket. Think of it as golf’s version of a warm-up lap. The stakes are low, but the anticipation is sky high.
The Beginning
The Par 3 Contest was the brainchild of Augusta National co-founder Clifford Roberts. The original nine-hole, par-27 course was designed by George Cobb and has been refined over the years. Today, it winds gracefully around DeSoto Springs Pond and Ike’s Pond, where more than a few shots meet a watery fate.
Roberts envisioned a competitive tune-up, a chance for players to sharpen their short game before the real battle began. Over time, that vision has softened into something far more relaxed. These days, the contest feels more like a family outing than a professional competition. Children in oversized caddie jumpsuits often steal the spotlight from the proud parents.
One unforgettable moment came in 2018, when Jack Nicklaus’ grandson, Gary Jr., made a holein-one on the final hole, delighting the crowd and perfectly capturing the spirit of the event.
The Stats
Golf, like baseball, loves its numbers. Here are a few that stand out:
• More than 100 holes-in-one have been recorded, including nine in 2016 alone
• The shortest hole measures just 90 yards, while the longest stretches to 155
• Jimmy Walker holds the course record with an 8-under 19, set in 2016
• Gary Player leads all players with four holes-in-one, including one at age 80
• Pádraig Harrington holds the record for most wins, with three
The Curse
Then there is the statistic no one wants to own. Known simply as “The Curse,” it states that no player has ever won both the Par 3 Contest and the Masters in the same year. Whether coincidence or superstition, it has helped shape the laid-back nature of the event. The game’s top contenders seem perfectly content to let someone else claim the crystal trophy.
The Goal
My trip to The Masters Tournament this year had a clear purpose: capture the charm and character of the Par 3 Contest.
Armed with our newly purchased Masters chairs (don’t ask), and accompanied by my wife and photographer Katherine, we secured a prime spot above the first green. From there, we enjoyed unobstructed views of five greens.
The course is compact, and a well-chosen vantage point can offer exceptional viewing. A pair of binoculars would have helped. We forgot ours. Still, the experience was hard to beat. A tip for first-timers: arrive early, place your chairs where you like, and explore the grounds. Your seats will be right where you left them when you return.
The Real Story
Your first glimpse of the “contestants” might leave you smiling. Players carry bags. Mothers carry babies. Kids roll down hills in bright white jumpsuits. It is not what you expect from one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world, and that is precisely the point.
As Jim Nantz famously says, it is “a tradition unlike any other.”
The Players and Families
Children are part of the show. Some bring their own clubs, others borrow Dad’s. Many get the chance to finish a hole, tapping in a putt for par to the delight of the crowd.
Reading greens becomes a family affair, with players and loved ones huddled together, studying the line.
And sometimes, the green is simply a place to rest after the long walk down the hill.
The Surprise
Of course, the magic often comes from the unexpected.
This year, the spotlight belonged to Frankie Fleetwood, the young son of Tommy Fleetwood. At just eight years old, Frankie has already captured the imagination of fans.
Last year, he attempted to carry his shot over Ike’s Pond. He came up short. This year, he returned determined to succeed. In a pre-round interview, he offered a candid assessment: he felt good about his chances.
His first attempt found the water again. The crowd responded with chants of “mulligan.” Frankie obliged, taking another swing. That one missed too.
It did not matter. The effort, the determination, and the joy made him the star of the day. If he keeps this up, don’t be surprised if Ladbrokes start setting odds for his 2027 attempt.
The Winner
And yes, there was a winner.
Aaron Rai birdied the final four holes to finish at 6-under par and claim the title. His prize, a Crystal Pedestal Bowl, is both elegant and symbolic.
History suggests it may also come with a catch. If “The Curse” holds true, like Mr. Irrelevant in the NFL Draft, Rai is assured of no chance at success in taking home the green jacket.
In the end, the Par 3 Contest is not really about winning. It is about family, tradition, and the lighter side of a very serious game. And for a place where rule adherence is a must, it’s nice to see Augusta National adopt anything goes for the Par 3 Contest.
(Larry Hall, a Jacksonville, Florida-based golf writer, is a member of Golf Heritage Society, Golf Writers Association of America, Historical Writers of America, International Network of Golf and Golf Travel Writers of America. He can be reached at: bgtriptips@gmail.com)
PHOTO CREDIT: Katherine Hall
