The iconic Masters Par-3 Contest has been cancelled as part of this year’s edition of the event, which tees off at Augusta National in two weeks’ time.
The famous golf club’s chairman, Fred Ridley, on Tuesday announced that the thrilling and highly entertaining day of par-three golf, which annually takes place on the Wednesday before the start of the Masters, will not be part of the competition this year.
The par-three event has been part of Masters week since 1960 and is usually filled with golfers competing with family members or celebrities on the bag – offering fans a quite unique golfing experience.
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‘The fun and excitement of watching Masters competitors with their friends and family is what makes the Par-3 Contest such a special part of Masters week,’ Ridley said in a statement.
‘We know that experience could not have been replicated without guests and patrons at Augusta National, and we eagerly anticipate the opportunity to bring back this signature tradition.’
The par-three course will, however, play host to a new Masters initiative this year with an ESPN College Football GameDay, which will be broadcasted live from the 9th green of Augusta on the Saturday of the Masters.
‘When exploring ways to showcase a fall Masters, we were drawn to the concept of hosting College GameDay at Augusta National to introduce the tournament to a new audience and provide even more anticipation and excitement to the event,’ Ridley added.
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He is, however, hopeful that next year’s Masters, which has been scheduled to take place during its normal time slot of April, will once again feature the Par-3 Contest with spectators expected to be allowed to attend.
‘Due to the indicated popularity of this new type of preliminary event with the patrons and players, it is likely that it will be staged again next year on the day preceding the first round of the Masters Tournament.’
