The Wednesday Par 3 contest is a unique Masters tradition. Nearly everyone tees it up with their wife and kids on the eve of the major golfing year.
It’s a set part of The Masters, despite the fact that the likes of Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Nick Faldo have never won it.
A Short History of the Par 3 Course
The course was designed in 1958 by co-founder Clifford Roberts and architect George Cobb. Sam Snead won the first Par 3 contest in 1960. Deane Beman, a former PGA Tour commissioner, won the tournament as an amateur the following year.
The course saw a significant overhaul in 2022. The first five holes were rerouted so that more holes would be adjacent to DeSoto Springs Pond. Ike’s Pond, named after General Dwight Eisenhower, features over the closing holes.
The Par 3 Curse
Twelve players have won both the Par 3 and the actual Masters. They are Sam Snead (2), Art Wall Jr, Arnold Palmer, Gay Brewer, Tom Watson (2), Tommy Aaron, Ben Crenshaw, Raymond Floyd, Vijay Singh, Sandy Lyle (2), Mark O’Meara and Mike Weir.
Famously, none have gone on to win both the Par 3 and the actual Masters. Padraig Harrington has won the Par 3 three times.
Holes-in-One and Other Notable Moments
The number of aces is up to 107. Seamus Power had two of them in 2023 and on back-to-back holes to complete his nine holes in 2023. Jack Nicklaus’ grandson, Gary, made an ace in 2018 in front of his grandad, Tom Watson and Gary Player.
Player has had four aces around the short course and he is the oldest to hole out, having done it at the age of 80. 19-year-old amateur Devon Bling is the youngest.
In 2018, Tony Finau aced the 7th and then suffered a left ankle dislocation before popping it back into place. This was his Masters debut, and despite a sprain Finau tied for 10th.
Jimmy Walker won the 2016 Par 3 with a record-setting score of 8-under-par 19. He had a hole-in-one on the 2nd and six birdies.
The Course’s Layout and Family Involvement
It measures a total of 1,090 yards with the shortest hole 90 yards and the longest 155. The 9th is 120 yards.
- Generally speaking this is a great chance to get a family member to pick up the bag.
- It’s the easiest and most fun gig of the year.
It has been said that some players will make a few quid by selling off a spot on their bag for the Par 3.
Visitors of members will be able to play the short course as a warm-up before tackling the main one.