The Masters: Tom Watson harnesses Augusta magic, wins Par 3 Contest
The Masters Par-3 Contest was threatened by rain for a bit, but it went off without a hitch. In the end, Tom Watson harnessed a bit more Masters magic to come out on top.
Golf’s current superstars will soon be on display at the Masters. Thursday is their day, but Wednesday was owned by the legends.
Masters champions Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson were grouped together at Wednesday’s Par-3 Contest and showed flashes of their past brilliance.
Tom Watson, 68, became the oldest Par-3 Contest winner in the event’s history dating back to 1960. He needed just eight putts to fire a round of six-under 21. Is it too late to get him a Thursday tee time?
Watson had healthy competition from his group, too. Nicklaus, 78, shot four-under and Player, 82, was two-under. All finished in the top 10.
Even Nicklaus’ grandson got in on the fun, recording his first career ace on live television.
Jack Nicklaus' 15-year-old grandson, Gary, couldn’t have chosen a better time for his first hole-in-one. #themasters pic.twitter.com/zRsAP7HwOB
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) April 4, 2018
It was a good today to have “Tom” (or “Thom”) in your name. Tom Watson, Tommy Fleetwood and Thomas Pieters composed the top three.
Wednesday’s potential rain showers held off as cooler temperatures and gray skies greeted players and their families adorned in the classic Masters white caddie jumpsuits.
Masters Par-3 provides amazing moments for several players
We all know Bubba Watson shapes shots all over the course. But on the putting green, too?
He took the scenic route to hole this impressive putt. Bonus points for using curling technique to coax the ball into the hole.
People who say golfers aren’t athletes obviously haven’t seen Tony Finau. He’s one of the Tour’s most athletic players and can hit the ball a mile, but a lapse in coordination almost cost him his Masters debut.
Finau made an ace on No. 7 and proceeded to ham it up to the crowd by sprinting down the fairway. It was all fun and games until he dislocated his left ankle and hit the deck, causing fans and commentators to wonder what the hell just happened.
Good grief, Tony Finau wrecked his ankle celebrating a hole in one pic.twitter.com/8o7JxVi3xQ
— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) April 4, 2018
He casually popped his ankle back into place and continued his round. Let’s hope he’s good to go tomorrow. We don’t need another slip-and-fall injury before the Masters.
The Golden Bear was doing his thing out there. He’s got to know these Par 3 Contest greens like the back of his hand, and he showed it here with a lengthy holed putt.
Only 22 players signed for an official score, but many more took part in the event. Some notable names to make it out for the Par 3 Contest include Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, Rory McIlroy, Sir Nick Faldo, Rickie Fowler, Dustin Johnson, Matt Kuchar, Jon Rahm, Patrick Reed, Justin Rose, and Bubba Watson, among others.
Absent names of note were Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Jason Day, Sergio Garcia, Hideki Matsuyama and Henrik Stenson.
Next: Is Jordan Spieth actually an underdog at this Masters?
Top-10 leaderboard
1. Tom Watson -6
T2. Tommy Fleetwood, Thomas Pieters -5
T4. Adam Hadwin, Jack Nicklaus, Chez Reavie -4
T7. Mike Weir, Xander Schauffele, Matt Fitzpatrick -3
T10. Martin Kaymer, Austin Cook, Ted Potter Jr., Jordan Spieth, Gary Player, Ryan Moore -2
Closest to the pin, by hole
No. 1 – Tommy Fleetwood, 3″
No. 2 – Jon Rahm, 1″
No. 3 – Jose Maria Olazabal 1′, 12″
No. 4 – Tyrrell Hatton 2″
No. 5 – Fleetwood 2′, 8″
No. 6 – Gary Player 3′, 3″
No. 7 – Tony Finau 0″
No. 8 – Dylan Frittelli 0″
No. 9 – Yusaku Miyazato 1′, 5″ (Gary Nicklaus, Jr. – 0″, unofficial)