The Masters Par 3 Contest: A Beloved Tradition of Golf

The Par 3 Contest at the Masters Tournament is one of golf’s most cherished traditions, held annually on the Wednesday before the main event. This nine-hole exhibition has been part of Masters Week since 1960, when the legendary Sam Snead claimed the inaugural victory. Played on a beautifully crafted course nestled around DeSoto Springs Pond and Ike’s Pond, the event was designed by George Cobb and Clifford Roberts to offer a fun and relaxed lead-in to the intensity of the Masters.

What makes the Par 3 Contest special is its celebratory nature. Current participants in the Masters, along with past champions, are invited to play, often joined by family members, children, or even grandchildren as caddies. It's not unusual to see players’ young kids wearing mini white jumpsuits, adding a heartwarming and personal touch to the day.

While the contest is light-hearted, it still boasts moments of brilliance. Over the years, it has seen a total of 112 holes-in-one, including a record-setting nine aces in 2016. In the most recent edition in 2024, five holes-in-one were recorded, with Rickie Fowler emerging as the winner with a 5-under round.

Interestingly, no one has ever won both the Par 3 Contest and the Masters Tournament in the same year, leading many to believe the event carries a sort of “curse.” Despite this, many players cherish the chance to participate, soaking in the relaxed atmosphere and enjoying a break from the competitive pressure.

Sam Snead not only won the first contest but became the first multiple-time winner with victories in 1960 and 1974. Tom Watson followed suit, winning twice — the most recent being in 2018, a staggering 36 years after his first win in 1982. Padraig Harrington holds the unique distinction of winning the contest three times (2003, 2004, and 2012), making him the most decorated player in Par 3 Contest history. Other multiple-time winners include Sandy Lyle, Isao Aoki, Jay Haas, and David Toms.

Jimmy Walker holds the course record with a sensational 8-under-par round of 19, set in 2016 — the same year with the highest number of aces. The contest has gone to a playoff 21 times and ended in a tie on three occasions.

How to Watch the Contest

Fans can tune in to the action live on the Wednesday before the Masters:

• Streaming coverage: Noon to 4 p.m. ET on Masters.com, ESPN+, and Disney+

• TV coverage: 2 to 4 p.m. ET on ESPN

Recent Winners

• 2024: Rickie Fowler (-5)

• 2023: Tom Hoge (-6)

• 2022: Mackenzie Hughes & Mike Weir (tie, -4)

• 2021 & 2020: Canceled due to COVID-19

• 2019: Matt Wallace (-5)

• 2018: Tom Watson (-6)

• 2017: Canceled due to rain

• 2016: Jimmy Walker (-8)

• 2015: Kevin Streelman (-5)

The Par 3 Contest continues to be a fan-favorite tradition that mixes joy, skill, and a touch of Masters magic — a perfect prelude to one of golf’s greatest tournaments.