It might be the most unique golf tournament in the world. Not only is it only nine holes, nobody really wants to win it.
It might be the most unique golf tournament in the world. Not only is it only nine holes, nobody really wants to win it.
Our complete guide to The Masters
The Masters par-3 contest began in 1960 but was held in relative obscurity each year until 2008 when the Augusta National Golf Club allowed the event to be televised for the first time.
It has since become one of the highlights of Masters week for fans both on site and watching around the world.
Designed as a fun event to alleviate some of the pressure before the serious business of the year’s first major gets underway, the Par-3 always throws up some of the best moments, and photos, of the week.
From toddlers in traditional white caddies’ overalls toting bags and clubs far too big for their frames to heroes of the past performing remarkable feats, the Par-3 contest always delivers and did so again in 2015.
For an entire generation of golfers Jack Nicklaus IS the Masters and he did nothing to diminish his legend earlier today when he holed his tee shot at the fourth hole for the 82nd ace in the contest’s history.
The 115 metre wedge shot put Nicklaus back in the worldwide headlines but it wasn’t the only highlight of the Wednesday contest.
Four time Masters champion Tiger Woods teed up for the first time since 2004 and was trailed around the short course by girlfriend Lindsey Vonn as well as daughter Sam and son Charlie.
The former World Number 1 was in good spirits and good form but was upstaged on the day not only by Nicklaus but by current World Number 1 Rory McIlroy. Or more specifically, McIlroy’s caddie.
The Northern Irishman arrived at Augusta National with international pop sensation and One Direction star Niall Horan toting his bag for the contest and was called on to sign far less autographs than normal.
McIlroy gave Horan, a keen golfer, the chance to hit the tee shot at the ninth but the pop star folded under pressure and hooked the ball into the water.
"Any other day I would have found the green but there’s a lot of pressure out there," Horan said.
"I do perform to a lot of people but I’m performing to their parents today. It’s a very different crowd."
Also , can’t say I’ve ever been so nervous in my life than when Rory handed me that golf club, horrendous shot!
— Niall Horan (@NiallOfficial) April 8, 2015
With no player ever winning the par-3 contest and the Masters in the same year many believe there is a hoo-doo over the Wednesday winner.
If that’s to be the case again this year take Kevin Streelman off your list of picks as the American won a play-off over Colombia’s Camillo Villegas when both finished 5-under for the nine holes.
Link / Our complete guide to The Masters 2015
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