Augusta National Golf Club was abuzz with laughter, family antics, and some seriously impressive golf on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, as the 64th edition of the Masters Par 3 Contest unfolded. This beloved prelude to the Masters Tournament has long been cherished for its lighthearted spirit, family participation, and the chance for golf's biggest stars to unwind before the intensity of major championship play begins. And boy, did the 2026 contest deliver on all fronts!
As tradition dictates, the Par 3 Contest took place on Augusta’s iconic nine-hole short course, a gem designed back in 1958 by George Cobb and Clifford Roberts. Since its debut in 1960, the event has crowned 58 different winners, but never has a Par 3 champion gone on to win the Masters in the same year—a quirky bit of trivia that’s become known as the “Par 3 curse.” This year, all eyes were on Aaron Rai, who posted a sizzling 6-under 21 to claim the coveted crystal trophy. Yet, as history reminds us, his victory might just be an omen rather than a sign of things to come for the main event.
Rai’s performance was a masterclass in consistent shot-making, finishing one stroke ahead of Jacob Bridgeman and Johnny Keefer, both of whom turned in impressive 5-under rounds. Rai, a 31-year-old from England, has been on a steady climb in the golf world, having captured the 2024 Wyndham Championship and earning a respectable tie for 27th in his Masters debut last year. But for now, he’ll savor this family-friendly win, even if it comes with a playful warning from golf lore. As the ESPN broadcast cheekily put it, "No Par 3 Contest winner has ever won that year's Masters Tournament." Sorry, Aaron!
But the Par 3 Contest is about so much more than the leaderboard. It’s a day when the world’s best golfers hand over the spotlight to their families—kids, spouses, and even the occasional celebrity caddie. The sight of children in miniature white jumpsuits, swinging away or lining up putts, is enough to melt even the most stoic competitor’s heart. This year, the show was once again stolen by Frankie Fleetwood, the 8-year-old son of Tommy Fleetwood. Frankie, who’s become a fan favorite for his determined attempts to clear the water on the ninth hole, gave it his all with two valiant swings. Both ended up in the drink, but his form and spirit drew cheers from the crowd and warm encouragement from his dad. As Frankie told ESPN’s Marty Smyth before teeing off, he wasn’t as confident as in previous years but would "try" his best—words that perfectly capture the ethos of the event.
Tommy Fleetwood himself provided a highlight, spinning his ball back for a spectacular hole-in-one at the 90-yard fourth hole. That ace marked the 19th ever recorded on that hole, and it was just one of several on a day that saw the contest’s all-time tally of holes-in-one grow from 115 to 119. Justin Thomas got the festivities started early, notching the 116th ace in Par 3 Contest history with a perfectly judged shot on the 100-yard second hole. Thomas celebrated in style, flashing a "show me the money" gesture to his playing partners and later explaining to Scott Van Pelt that he might have pocketed $1,000 for his efforts.
Wyndham Clark kept the excitement rolling with an ace at the 109-yard seventh, the 22nd ever on that hole, and Keegan Bradley added another at the 120-yard eighth. Bradley’s hole-in-one was particularly notable, as it marked his second consecutive year with an ace in the Par 3 Contest—a feat never before accomplished. The crowd erupted as Bradley hoisted his son in celebration, a moment that perfectly encapsulated the family-first spirit of the day.
Not to be outdone, Cooper Harman, daughter of Brian Harman, drained a long putt and leaped into her dad’s arms, telling ESPN’s Laura Rutledge, "It was really amazing." Her brother Walter followed suit with his own impressive putt a few holes later, proving that the Harman family knows how to put on a show.
The contest also featured some celebrity flair, with comedian Kevin Hart donning the famous white jumpsuit as Bryson DeChambeau’s caddie. Hart, who’s been playing golf for about seven months, told ESPN that he aimed to be "the best caddie that has ever caddied." Elsewhere, former NFL star Jason Kelce took up caddie duties for Akshay Bhatia, adding to the festive atmosphere on the grounds.
Returning to Augusta National for the first time in two years, Gary Woodland was another heartwarming story. Woodland, who underwent brain surgery in 2023 and recently triumphed at the Houston Open, teed it up in the Par 3 Contest surrounded by friends, family, and well-wishers. Speaking to ESPN’s Marty Smyth, Woodland said events like this were "what the fight is for," referencing his health challenges and the joy of sharing special moments with loved ones.
Of course, the Par 3 Contest wouldn’t be complete without a few nods to the next generation of golf fans. Scottie Scheffler’s wife, Meredith, walked the course with their newborn, Remy (born March 27, 2026), and nearly 2-year-old son Bennett, who took a few swings with a blue plastic club. The Scheffler family’s presence was a reminder that Augusta’s traditions are as much about family as they are about fierce competition.
The contest teed off at noon ET, with TV coverage picking up from 2-4 p.m. on ESPN and streaming available on various platforms, including the Masters app. The weather couldn’t have been better—sunny skies, a high of 68 degrees, and just a gentle breeze drifting across the course. It was, as always, "the most adorable day in golf," as Golfweek’s Tim Schmitt put it.
With the Par 3 festivities wrapped up, attention now shifts to the Masters Tournament itself, which kicks off Thursday, April 9, at 7:40 a.m. ET. While Aaron Rai basks in his Par 3 glory, he and the rest of the field will be eyeing a far bigger prize come Sunday. But for one magical afternoon, Augusta was all about smiles, family, and unforgettable memories.
As the sun set over the short course, one couldn’t help but feel that the true winners were everyone who got to share in the laughter and camaraderie that make the Masters Par 3 Contest a tradition unlike any other. Here’s to next year—and maybe, just maybe, to Frankie Fleetwood finally clearing that water on the ninth!