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Masters: The Par 3 contest has been cancelled for 2020

By Christopher O'Day

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 10: Jordan Spieth of the United States, Rickie Fowler of the United States and Justin Thomas of the United States walk on the first hole during the Par 3 Contest prior to the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on April 10, 2019 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 10: Jordan Spieth of the United States, Rickie Fowler of the United States and Justin Thomas of the United States walk on the first hole during the Par 3 Contest prior to the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on April 10, 2019 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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The par 3 contest, an annual event at the Masters, has been cancelled.

The Masters is the greatest event in the world of golf. Sure, you could make an argument that the Open Championship, when held at St. Andrews, is also up there. Maybe you are a Ryder Cup fan. But when it comes down to it, the majesticness of the Masters beats them all. Plus, they have the par 3 contest.

For years, it has been an event that players can loosen up with. You see families out there having fun, adorable little kids running around in the white caddy onesies, and special invitees. Who can forget Jack Nicklaus’ grandson making a hole-in-one a few years ago, as everyone watched with breath held as his ball trickled towards the cup, seeming to pause for a second with the golden bear logo showing, before falling in the hole.

Unfortunately, and not in a good way, 2020 is a year unlike any other. From missed tournaments, a lack of or entirely devoid field of fans, to venues and dates being changed, golf hasn’t seen anything like this in quite some time.

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For the first 57 occurrences of the par 3 contest, not one of them was missed. With the news that the 2020 version was going to be cancelled, it now makes for two of them that have been cancelled in the last four years. The first time, in 2017, was done because of inclement weather. For those who forget, it was miserable, and no one would want to subject themselves to that. Well, at least not the pros with only bragging rights on the line.

There is one mild bright spot with the cancellation of the par 3 tournament. Every year, it gets brought up that not a single winner of the contest has gone on to win the Masters during that same year. With no winner of the event, we aren’t going to have to worry whether or not it would “doom” someone.

Getting into whether or not they should have held the par 3 contest is a different story. Yes, all of the players are there already and are going to be around each other for a few days. A big part of the par 3 contest is relaxation, enjoying a day on the course with your family or friends or special invitees. When that is taken away, it would turn into a much more serious event, and seem a bit saddening to watch without the constant joy that is witnessed during the event.

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Still, we are on the verge of the biggest tournament in golf. From a potential changing of the guard on the ceremonial first shot to beefy Bryson bombs, there is going to be plenty to watch at the 2020 Masters.

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