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Learn MoreThe 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.
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.
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.
Every current Masters competitor and any former champion is invited to play 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.
Check out these awesome Augusta-inspired caddie jumpsuits for both children and adults.
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.
There have been 94 total hole-in-ones made at the Masters Par 3 Contest since 1960.
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.
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.