The Masters Par 3 Contest has become an iconic tradition held on Wednesdays before the annual Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. This event, which began in 1960, features golfers participating in a relaxed, family-friendly nine-hole course.
Historic Overview of the Par 3 Contest
Sam Snead, the winner of the inaugural contest, established the legacy of this event, which continues to attract past champions and competitors alike. Notable architects George Cobb and Cliff Roberts designed the course, which is beautifully set around DeSoto Springs Pond and Ike’s Pond.
Recent Contest Highlights
The 2025 Par 3 Contest witnessed Colombia’s Nico Echavarria clinching victory in a playoff against J.J. Spaun. Both players completed the contest with an impressive score of 5-under-par (22).
Record-Breaking Moments
Among the highlights, holes-in-one were achieved by:
- Tom Hoge (Hole 4)
- Keegan Bradley (Hole 6)
- Brooks Koepka (Hole 6)
This brought the total number of holes-in-one in the event’s history to 115, showcasing the excitement and unpredictability of the competition.
Notable Winners and Trends
Interestingly, no contestant has ever won the Masters in the same year they triumphed at the Par 3 Contest. Sam Snead remains a legendary figure, being the first contestant to secure multiple wins, with victories in both 1960 and 1974. More recently, Tom Watson achieved his second win in 2018, 36 years after his first in 1982.
Padraig Harrington holds the record for the most wins, having claimed three titles: consecutive wins in 2003 and 2004, and a third win in 2012. Other dual winners include Sandy Lyle, Isao Aoki, Jay Haas, and David Toms.
How to Watch the 2026 Masters Par 3 Contest
The upcoming Masters Par 3 Contest will take place on April 5, 2026. Golf fans can catch the live coverage through the following platforms:
- Noon-4 p.m. on Masters.com and the Masters app
- Noon-4 p.m. on the ESPN app
- 2-4 p.m. on ESPN
Additional Wednesday programming includes:
- “Mornings at the Masters”: 9-9:45 a.m. on Masters YouTube
- “On the Range”: 9 a.m.-11 a.m. on CBS Sports Digital and CBS Sports Network
- Noon-2 p.m. – Practice round live coverage on ESPN App
- “Welcome to the Masters”: 1-2 p.m. on ESPN
The Masters Par 3 Contest remains a beloved tradition, blending competitive spirit with a lighthearted family atmosphere.
