What is Masters Par 3 Contest? A guide to the family-friendly event
What is Masters Par 3 Contest? A guide to the family-friendly event
Steve Gardner, USA TODAYTue, April 7, 2026 at 10:02 AM UTC
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A family-friendly, low-pressure precursor for the Masters, the annual Par 3 Contest always provides some of the most charming moments of the entire week at Augusta National Golf Club.
The nine-hole exhibition brings the 2026 Masters entrants together with past Masters champions for some fun and frivolity on Wednesday before the competition gets serious the following day. Significant others and children are invited to tag along as caddies during the round, even wearing the traditional all-white uniforms, in an event that dates back to 1960.
Adding to the cute factor, you may even see some of the caddies attempt a putt or two.
Fun fact: No Par 3 Contest winner has gone on to become the Masters champion that same year.
When is Masters Par 3 Contest?
The Masters Par 3 Contest is held the Wednesday before the tournament gets underway at Augusta National's nine-hole, par-27 course.
The 2026 Masters Tournament runs Thursday through Sunday, April 9-12.
What time is Masters Par 3 Contest?
The 2026 Masters Par 3 Contest gets underway on Wednesday, April 8, at noon ET.
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Brooks Koepka, carries his son Crew, while his wife Jena carries his clubs during the 2025 Masters Par 3 Contest.How many holes are Masters Par 3 Contest?
The contest is a single round, nine holes with par-27, and features holes ranging from 70 to 140 yards.
How to watch Masters Par 3 Contest
The Par 3 Contest will air live on ESPN on Wednesday from 2-4 p.m. ET.
An encore presentation will be broadcast on ESPN2, Wednesday at 10 p.m. ET.
How to stream Masters Par 3 Contest
The Par 3 Contest can be streamed live on ESPN+, and on Masters.com and the Masters app from noon-4 p.m. ET.
How did Masters Par 3 Contest begin?
The Par 3 Contest tradition started in 1960, with Sam Snead winning the first event.
"I like the idea of the Par 3 (Contest) the day before the Masters," Snead said at the event's inaugural edition. "It gives the boys confidence and I know it gave me confidence that I can hit the greens and sink the putts."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What time is the Masters Par 3 Contest 2026? Schedule, how to watch
Source: “AOL Sports”
