No other tournament on the PGA tour matches the mystic of the Masters. It is hands down the greatest four days on the golf calendar.
When the greatest golfers in the world come together at the most beautiful course in the world, for the most coveted prize in golf, one cannot help but get chills. But before the participants get tunnel vision, with determination in their eyes, they get to have a little fun.
Since 1960, on every Wednesday of Masters week, tournament participants, non-competing past champions, and honorary invitees take part in the Masters' Par 3 contest. Considered one of golf's best-kept secrets until ESPN aired it for the first time last year, the Par 3 contest is a time for golfers to relax a little before playing in the most important weekend of the year.
The nine-hole course was built in 1958 and sits on Augusta National Golf Club. It is a par-27 course, with hole lengths ranging from 70 yards (second hole) to 135 yards (ninth hole).
The winner of the inaugural contest in 1960 was the great Sam Snead, who shot a 23. The course record belongs to Art Wall (1965) and Gay Brewer (1973) who have both shot a seven-under-par 20. Past Masters' champions Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson, Vijay Singh, and Mark O'Meara have all won the Par 3 contest.
However, contest participants would rather lose the Wednesday match than win it, as no one has won the Par 3 contest and the Masters' tournament in the same week. The curse has lead to some interesting shot selections every year. A golfer that is in contention to win the contest and is also playing in the Masters the next day usually opts to send his ball into the pond on the ninth hole, rather than make a closing putt.
Despite the curse, last year's Par 3 contest winner Rory Sabbatini was confident that his victory would have no bearing on his chances to take home the Green Jacket. He proceeded to miss the cut for the tournament.
And the Par 3 contest is all for fun, which is why it is common to see golfers allow their children or caddies to take a couple of shots during the round. In last year's contest, Ian Poulter's three-year-old son and golf-great Jack Nicklaus' grandson made the final putts for their father and grandfather, respectively.
In an article for Golfweek.com following last year's contest, Augusta chairman Bill Payne said the Masters' tournament decided to air the contest in hopes of building golf's popularity and showing viewers a side of golfers that many viewers rarely get to see.
When else are going to see Phil Mickelson, a regular at the contest, helping his daughter line up a putt? Or Palmer, Nicklaus and Gary Player enjoying a round of golf together at Augusta National?
The best way to explain the Wednesday of Masters' week is good, old fun. It is a necessary calm before a very big storm.
The 2009 Par 3 contest will be aired on ESPN this Wednesday at 3 p.m. If you have the time, and enjoy sports in general, check it out. You will definitely see some of golf's greats in a light you may not be accustomed to.
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