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Masters Par 3 Contest: Highlights from Wednesday at the Masters

By Matt Cochran

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 06: Rickie Fowler of the United States celebrates with Justin Thomas of the United States and Jordan Spieth of the United States after hitting a hole in one on the fourth hole during the Par 3 Contest prior to the start of the 2016 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 6, 2016 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 06: Rickie Fowler of the United States celebrates with Justin Thomas of the United States and Jordan Spieth of the United States after hitting a hole in one on the fourth hole during the Par 3 Contest prior to the start of the 2016 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 6, 2016 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images) /
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It was a record-setting day at the Masters Par 3 Contest on Wednesday. Here’s a look at some of the best moments and the records that were broken.

After the first few days of hype and the Champions Dinner, Wednesday at the Masters finally arrived. What some may argue to be the best day of Masters Week, Wednesday is home to the prestigious Par 3 Contest.

Many of the golfers bring out their families and dress up their kids in adorable jumpsuits to caddie for them during this fun filled event.

The Par 3 Contest started in 1960 and consists of golfers playing in the Masters, non-competing past champions, and Honorary Invitees. The course was designed by George Cobb and Clifford Roberts to create a par 27 course that clocks in at 1,060 yards.

Prior to Wednesday’s start, there have been 80 aces made throughout the years and a record-setting five hole in ones made in 2002. No winner of the Par 3 Contest has gone on to win the actual Masters that same week.

Most of the big names were in the Par 3 field, but Rory McIlroy decided to skip the event. Here’s what he had to say about the situation:

"I guess it’s more of a superstition thing than anything else. In 2011, I didn’t play the Par-3, and that was my best chance to win the Masters. It’s more like I’ve had great times at the Par-3 tournament and had fun,” he said. “It’s a great day. It’s a great day for the patrons to go down there and have fun and for the kids to get autographs. This year, I just wanted to change it up a little bit and maybe just get away from the spotlight a little bit. It doesn’t mean that I’m not going to play it again. It’s a fantastic event and one I’m sure I’m going to play in the future."

This year’s Par 3 Contest brought smiles, great groupings, and plenty of hole-in-ones.

The best moment of the day came courtesy of the Jordan Spieth, Rickie Fowler, Justin Thomas grouping. Surprisingly, Spieth contributed nothing to this extraordinary moment.

The three young guns were teeing off on the fourth hole with JT going first. Thomas made an ace which was enough to get the crowd fired up, then stepped up Rickie, who did the same damn thing.

In addition to these guys getting aces, there were seven other golfers  who carded hole-in-ones, setting the record for most in a Par 3 Contest with nine.

  • Andy Sullivan
  • David Lingmerth
  • Gary Player
  • Zach Johnson
  • Jimmy Walker
  • Smylie Kaufman,
  • Webb Simpson

Gary Player became the oldest golfer to make a hole-in-one in the Par 3 Contest.

And Sir Jimmy Walker set the scoring record at (-8).

If Wednesday’s Par 3 Contest is any foreshadowing for the real rounds during the Masters, then patrons are in for quite the weekend at Augusta.

Next: Masters Preview and TV Schedule

Thursday’s first group tees off at 8:20 AM ET. Happy Masters watching, golf fans!

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