As the excitement builds for the 2025 Masters Tournament, golfers and fans alike are gearing up for one of the most cherished traditions in golf—the Masters Par 3 Contest. Scheduled for Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at Augusta National Golf Club, this event promises to deliver a delightful mix of competition and camaraderie, setting the stage for the prestigious Masters that follows.
The Par 3 Contest, which has been held annually since 1960 (with a few exceptions), features Masters competitors and past champions playing a relaxed, one-round competition on the Par 3 Course. Unlike the intense atmosphere of the Masters, this event is characterized by a friendly, family-friendly vibe, as players often have their loved ones caddie for them. Young children, adorned in white Masters caddie jumpsuits, contribute to the lighthearted atmosphere, often stealing the show with their antics on the course.
For those unfamiliar with the event, it's important to note the infamous "curse" associated with the Par 3 Contest: no winner has ever gone on to win the Masters in the same year. This quirky tradition adds an intriguing layer to the competition, as players enjoy the moment while knowing that victory here doesn’t guarantee success in the main event.
The 2025 Masters Par 3 Contest will kick off at noon ET, with ESPN providing live coverage from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. ET. Fans can also catch the action through various streaming platforms, including ESPN+, Masters.com, and the Masters app, ensuring that viewers won’t miss a moment of the fun.
The complete schedule for the day includes:
- Mornings at the Masters: 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. on Masters YouTube
- Masters on the Range: 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. on CBS Sports Network/Paramount +/Masters.com/Masters App
- Practice Round Coverage: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. on ESPN+
- SportsCenter at the Masters: 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. on ESPN
- Par 3 Contest: 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. on ESPN+/Disney+/Masters.com/Masters App
- Welcome to the Masters: 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. on ESPN
- Par 3 Contest: 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. on ESPN/Masters.com/Masters App
- SportsCenter at the Masters: 4 p.m. - 5 p.m. on ESPN
Weather conditions for the day are expected to start off chilly, with a low of 43°F and a high of 68°F, accompanied by mostly sunny skies and light winds from the northeast at 5-10 mph. These favorable conditions should make for an enjoyable day on the course.
Historically, the Par 3 Contest has seen its fair share of memorable moments. Last year, Rickie Fowler emerged victorious with an impressive score of 22, carding five birdies and four pars. His win was celebrated not just for the score but for the joyful participation of his young daughter, who caddied for him, embodying the spirit of family that defines this event.
Throughout its history, the Par 3 Contest has produced a total of 112 aces, with Gary Player holding the record for the most aces at four. The most aces recorded in a single tournament occurred in 2016, with nine players making hole-in-ones. The excitement of watching for aces adds another layer of thrill to the contest, as players take aim at the pin on the picturesque nine-hole course.
As the 2025 Masters approaches, golfers like Rory McIlroy are drawing significant attention. McIlroy, who recently won The Players Championship, is among the favorites heading into the Masters. His recent performances, including seven top-10 finishes in the last 11 years at Augusta, have fans and bettors buzzing about his potential to finally capture the elusive green jacket and complete the career Grand Slam of major championships.
While the Par 3 Contest serves as a lighthearted prelude, it also sets the tone for the serious competition that will unfold in the Masters starting on April 10. The tournament will run through April 13, 2025, with CBS and ESPN broadcasting all the action. The first tee time on Thursday is scheduled for 8 a.m. ET, marking the beginning of the 89th edition of this iconic event.
In conclusion, the Masters Par 3 Contest is more than just a precursor to the main event; it’s a celebration of golf, family, and tradition. As players take to the course with their loved ones, fans can look forward to a day filled with laughter, excitement, and perhaps a few surprises. With the Masters just around the corner, the anticipation is palpable as everyone eagerly awaits the unfolding of one of golf's most prestigious tournaments.
