There were nine holes-in-one during the par-three contest on Wednesday at The Masters, including one from 80-year-old Gary Player at the seventh hole. ‘What a thrill,’ said the three-time Masters champion. ‘I played with Jack (Nicklaus) last year, and he did it. He said it was my turn this year.’
(Photo from themasters.com)
It was a day for record setting as Jimmy Walker won on the lowest-ever total of eight-under-par. He is now afflicted by the par-three curse: no player to win has gone on to collect a green jacket in the same week.
‘I think we’ll do it,’ Walker said after his round. ‘I’ve been playing pretty well… And I feel good coming into this week.’
Youngsters Justin Thomas and Rickie Fowler played together and the crowds nearly lost their minds when the pair made back-to-back aces at the fourth hole.
‘It might have been the hardest shot I ever had to hit, trying to follow them,’ said Jordan Spieth, who was the third to play and put his tee shot close, but not close enough. ‘Boy, that was fun!’
Watch the record-setting collection: all nine holes-in-one from today’s Par 3 Contest. #themastershttps://t.co/PcFbOXHKr7
— Masters Tournament (@TheMasters) April 6, 2016
The highlights were half of the enjoyment, the other half was seeing top golfers with their families and friends on course. The picture-perfect Day family stole the show, with Jason’s son Dash seeming right at home in front of the crowds.
March Leishman had to cancel on the tournament last year after his wife, Audrey, fell suddenly ill, but this Wednesday his family were out enjoying the moment.
‘There were a good four or five days where it looked like she wasn’t going to survive. I knew today would be an emotional day…and it is,’ he said with misty eyes.
