Masters Par 3 Contest: Everything you need to know, including how to watch on Wednesday

By: Jessica Marksbury

April 5, 2023

The Masters Par 3 Contest is a beloved annual tradition.

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Though the Masters officially kicks off early on Thursday morning with the honorary starters’ tee shots, the unofficial start to the Masters happens on Wednesday, when both the players and non-competing former champions take to Augusta National’s Par 3 course for the annual Masters Par 3 Contest.

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 time does the Masters Par 3 Contest start?

This year, the Masters Par 3 Contest kicks off at noon ET. Participants play Augusta National’s nine-hole layout, which features holes that range from 70-140 yards in length.

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.

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 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.

How can I get a caddie uniform like the ones I see on TV?

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

Kids Custom Caddie Uniform With Name and Number

The Kids Caddie Uniform! Perfect for Halloween, costume parties, outings, family portraits and special golf occasions. Every uniform comes with a personalized nameplate and number. Those will be on removable velcro patches.

$109.99 from Fairway Jockey

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

The winner of the Masters Par 3 Contest receives an engraved crystal bowl. But not every participant wants the victory — no player has ever won the Masters Par 3 Contest and the Masters tournament in the same year.

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

There have been 94 total hole-in-ones made at the Masters Par 3 Contest since 1960.

How can I watch the Masters Par 3 Contest?

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

Get ESPN+

With an ESPN+ subscription, you gain access to PGA Tour Live, where you can stream the best PGA Tour events live from wherever you want.

$9.99/month from go.web.plus.espn.com

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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.