Ranking the top ten traditions in The Masters Tournament history

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Bubba Watson Masters traditions Par 3 contest

AUGUSTA, GA – APRIL 05: Bubba Watson of the United States, his wife Angie, daughter Dakota and son Caleb walk during the Par 3 Contest prior to the start of the 2017 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 5, 2017 in Augusta, Georgia. The Par 3 Contest was later cancelled due to inclement weather. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images) /

I know this may come as a shock, but the Masters can be a pretty stressful time in a player’s life. Sure, when you’ve been there for 15 straight years like some of the game’s top stars, some of the luster may wear off, but it’s still arguably the biggest golf tournament in the world. Given some of that stress, it’s nice to have an event like the par-3 contest to loosen up a bit, while still getting some good practice in.

The par-3 course at Augusta National, of course, isn’t exactly your local $10 pitch-and-putt. The course has holes ranging from 70 to 140 yards, weaving in and out of the loblolly pines and over Ike’s and DeSoto Springs Pond. It’s fun, with no real consequences, but it’s still a challenging test. The Masters wouldn’t have it any other way.

Some of the best images of the week come from the par-3 contest, too. Players bring in family members and friends to “caddy” for them inside the ropes, and you’re sure to see a fleet of children walking around in miniature white Augusta caddy jumpsuits. It’s even better when they get to finish out a hole for their player on the greens.

Sam Snead, Arnold Palmer and Tom Watson have all won the par-3 contest, just to name a few. However, no player has won both the par-3 and the Masters in the same year. With rumors that Tiger Woods may play this year, could that finally change?

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