The 2026 Masters Par 3 contest kicks off a busy week of festivities at the legendary Augusta National golf course.
All eyes turn to the top golfers in the world as they prepare to take on the historic PGA Tour venue for the first major of the season. However, the Par 3 contest is drastically different than other events that golfers are used to playing in.
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Augusta created the unique concept ahead of the 1960 Masters Tournament when Sam Snead won the event. Meanwhile, the Masters Par 3 contest is becoming a larger part of the weekend as a precursor to the actual competition.
Throwback to Jack Nicklaus’ grandson making a hole in one during the Wednesday par 3 contest at the Masters.
Making an ace in his caddie uniform was awesome. pic.twitter.com/a53fNcInqx
— Tour Pro 🏌️♂️ (@OfficialTourPro) April 3, 2026
What is the Par 3 contest?
Masters week historically begins with the Par 3 contest in a nine-hole tournament on Augusta National’s short course. The event boasts a 1,000-yard, par 27 layout for players and their families in attendance.
The family-friendly afternoon includes spouses, significant others and relatives often serving as caddies for competitors.
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Top golfers slated to compete in the fun tune-up event include Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler and Justin Rose. However, the tournament’s unique format also includes golf legends and previous winners.
In 2025, McIlroy’s daughter, Poppy, stole the show after draining a putt in front of her father and a huge crowd of patrons cheering her on.
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Surprisingly, no player has ever won the Par 3 contest and gone on to capture the Masters green jacket in the same year. Jimmy Walker owns the record for the best score in competition history after shooting a 19, 8-under par back in 2016.
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Event format & rules
Despite the relaxed environment with family on-site, the Par 3 contest requires winners to complete every shot. If one of their relatives putts or hits another shot, the PGA Tour player is ruled ineligible for the title.
Augusta doesn’t mandate players to compete in the pre-Masters contest. However, it’s common that players will use the opportunity as practice before the main tournament starts on Thursday.
Prize money for the Masters Par 3 event
Augusta shockingly doesn’t hand out money to the winner of the Par 3 event. That’s been a constant for the tournament since it first started over 65 years ago.
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However, the Par 3 contest and main tournament award trophies for the respective champions.
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