Par-3 Contest intended for serious fun before Masters

On April 6, 1960, a new event debuted at Augusta National Golf Club.

After years of long-drive exhibitions and other contests, the Masters Tournament found a winner with its annual Par-3 Contest.

Designed as a fun event to let competitors blow off steam before the tournament, it is unique in golf and fits nicely into Augusta National’s mission to build the game. The contest is held on the Wednesday before the tournament, and participation is optional. Players often invite their children, spouses or celebrities to be caddies for a day.

“It’s not as serious as you think it is,” said Mike Weir, who won the Masters in 2003. “The tournament is obviously a major championship and one of the greatest tournaments we have, but there is a family atmosphere a little bit there, which I think is great.”

Interest in the Par-3 has increased since tickets were first limited in 1995. ESPN began televising the event in 2008.

“It’s about as hard to get a ticket to the practice rounds, especially the Par-3, as it is the tournament,” said North Augusta Mayor Lark Jones, who attended the first Par-3. “It’s the one event I tell people that if you can get a ticket, you sure would like to get there.”

The Par-3 Contest is open to tournament competitors, noncompeting past champions and honorary invitees. The winner of the contest receives a crystal bowl, and those closest to the pin on each hole receive prizes.

Sam Snead won the inaugural event in 1960 with a 4-under-par 23. He edged Doug Sanders, Lew Worsham and Dick Knight by one stroke.

The tournament was an instant success, a fact realized by Masters and Augusta National co-founder Clifford Roberts.

“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,” Roberts said in The Augusta Chronicle.