2024 Masters Par 3 Contest: Everything to know, how to watch on Wednesday

Max Homa hugs Annie Spieth and Justin Thomas of the United States on the ninth green during the Par 3 contest prior to the 2023 Masters.

The Masters Par 3 Contest is often a family affair.

Getty Images

For viewers desperate to see some action at Augusta National, Wednesday is the day when things unofficially kick off at the 2024 Masters.

While the first round of the tournament begins on Thursday with the honorary starters’ tee shots, that ceremonial beginning is preceded by the annual Masters Par 3 Contest on Wednesday.

The Par 3 Contest field includes Masters participants and non-competing former champions, all of whom take to Augusta National’s Par 3 course for a fun-filled round that often also features cameos from wives, girlfriends, children and grandchildren — many of whom are tapped to carry the bag, too. In short: it’s a spectacle not to be missed. You can find out everything you need to know about the annual Masters Par 3 Contest below, including how to watch.

What is the Masters Par 3 Contest?

The inaugural Masters Par 3 Contest was held in 1960 — born from an idea from Augusta National chairman Clifford Roberts. Since then, it has been held on the Wednesday before the tournament begins each year, becoming one of the tournament’s most beloved traditions.

What is Augusta National’s Par 3 Course?

Augusta National’s Par 3 Course is a nine-hole routing that made its debut in 1958, hosting the first Par 3 Contest two years later. The Par 3 Course’s holes range from 70 to 155 yards in length for a total distance of 1,055 yards.

What time does the 2024 Masters Par 3 Contest start?

This year, the 2024 Masters Par 3 Contest kicks off Wednesday, April 10, at noon ET.

Who can play the Masters Par 3 Contest?

Every current Masters competitor and any former champion is invited to play the Masters Par 3 Contest.

What is the Masters Par 3 Contest jinx?

Fun fact: The winner of the Masters Par 3 Contest has never gone on to win the Masters that same week, leading some superstitious players to opt not to finish a hot round to avoid having an official score.

Who are the caddies in the Masters Par 3 Contest?

Masters Par 3 Contest participants can select anyone they’d like to carry their bag for the Masters Par 3 Contest. Traditionally, the Masters Par 3 Contest is a family affair, and the caddie role is filled by wives, girlfriends, children, grandchildren and other relatives, who are often called upon to hit shots or putts for their players.

Where can I find a caddie uniform like the ones I see on TV?

Check out these awesome Augusta-inspired caddie jumpsuits for both children and adults.

Adult Custom Caddie Uniform With Name and Number

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What does the winner of the Masters Par 3 Contest receive?

The winner of the Masters Par 3 Contest receives an engraved crystal bowl.

How may hole-in-ones have been recorded at the Masters Par 3 Contest?

There have been 107 total hole-in-ones made at the Masters Par 3 Contest since 1960.

What is the Masters Par 3 Contest record score?

Jimmy Walker holds the current record, firing a nine-hole score of 19 in 2016.

How can I watch the Masters Par 3 Contest?

The 2023 Masters Par 3 Contest will air on ESPN from 3-5 p.m. ET. You can also stream coverage on Masters.com and the Masters app starting at 2 p.m. ET.

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Golf.com Editor

As a four-year member of Columbia’s inaugural class of female varsity golfers, Jessica can out-birdie everyone on the masthead. She can out-hustle them in the office, too, where she’s primarily responsible for producing both print and online features, and overseeing major special projects, such as GOLF’s inaugural Style Is­sue, which debuted in February 2018. Her origi­nal interview series, “A Round With,” debuted in November of 2015, and appeared in both in the magazine and in video form on GOLF.com.