There is no other tournament that holds a par 3 contest the day before it begins, let alone another major championship.
The Masters Par 3 contest is unique in the way it brings the best players in the world together for a few hours of fun, 24 hours before what many believe is the world’s biggest golf tournament gets underway.
Family and friends follow each star around the golf course as they flick wedges into the small greens. Another charm is that icons of the sport, like Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player, have been able to compete too.
Let’s go through what the Masters Par 3 contest is, the format and other often-asked questions by golf fans.
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How does the Masters Par 3 contest work?
The format is very simple. Each player competes on the nine-hole par 3 course at Augusta National, and the lowest score at the end wins. Sometimes, a player might not finish or might let a family member hit a shot for them, so it isn’t a completely formal affair. The players participate in groups of up to three.
Has anyone won the par 3 and the Masters?
No. No player has won the Masters Par 3 contest and the Green Jacket in the history of the event.
When is the Masters Par 3 contest?
The Masters Par 3 contest is played on the day before the Masters starts. In 2025, it will be held on April 9. It starts at 12 pm local time, which is 5 pm in the UK.
How to watch the Masters Par 3 contest
In the UK, the Masters Par 3 contest will be shown on Sky Sports. In the USA, ESPN+ and ESPN will show the action from midday local time to 4 pm.
Who won the par 3 contest at the Masters in 2024?
Rickie Fowler carded a five-under 22 to win the nine-hole par 3 contest in 2024 and the crystal bowl that comes with it. Sepp Straka, J.T Poston and amateur Santiago de la Fuente came second.
Has the Masters Par 3 course changed?
Significant changes were made to the par 3 course revealed in images first posted by Eureka Earth in 2023. Seven of the nine greens are now situated next to a lake, which should provide further entertainment for both fans and players.
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The 9th hole on the course plays like a mini-17th at TPC Sawgrass with the island green and surrounding water. The course has features consistent with Augusta itself, with fast, undulating greens and lush fairways.
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In 1931, Clifford Roberts wrote a letter to the Olmstead Brothers, the firm he and Bobby Jones hired to help form Augusta National:
“I believe I have failed to tell you about our plan for building a pitch and putt course,” Roberts wrote. “We want to do something along this line that will be exceptionally beautiful.”
It took 30 years for the vision to come to fruition. The thorough renovation in 2023 looked to accommodate fans and players. Holes 1 to 5 were rerouted so more holes could run by DeSoto Springs Pond. Trees were taken out to make more paths for spectators and more views across the course.
Many greens can be seen from many points of the course, and there is also a new Merchant Building next to the 5th hole, providing merchandise and concessions, as well as expanded restrooms.
The turf was also improved. The greens on holes 1 to 5 are more contoured, and each of these greens has a variety of bentgrass. They’ve been fully ‘sand-capped’ with a deep layer of sand under the turf layer to improve drainage.
Who will win The Masters in 2025? Is the Augusta National par 3 course the best short course in the world? Tweet me and let me know!
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