Masters Par-3 Contest In Doubt Over Thunderstorms

Justin Thomas and his girlfriend, Jillian Wisniewski at the 2019 Par-3 Contest

(Image credit: Getty Images)

published 6 April 2022

The Masters Par-3 Contest has led a precarious existence over the last few years. After being an ever-present in the build-up to the Masters since its inception in 1960, it was cancelled for the first time due to rain in 2017. Then, it was cancelled again in 2020 and 2021 because of Covid.

Update: LIVE Blog: Masters Par-3 Contest

The family friendly nine-hole event, that sees past Masters champions and the current field invited to take part – often with family members – is back on the schedule this year. However, yesterday’s deluge at Augusta National, that saw it evacuated at one point, and the forecast of further inclement weather, has once again put the tournament in doubt.

Rory McIlroy is one of the players due to compete in the contest, this year due to take place over 1,040 yards in the northeastern corner of Augusta National. Ahead of the event, he spoke of his anticipation for it, as he intends to play the round with his one-year-old daughter, Poppy, at his side. He said: “It's funny. When you don't have children, the Par-3 seems like a bit of an afterthought, and then once kids arrive, it sort of becomes the highlight of the week in a way. So, yeah, I'm looking forward to it. It will be fun to get out there tomorrow and watch her run around.”

The Par-3 Contest offers a lighthearted and stress-free way for players to enjoy their final day before the real action begins at Augusta National. However, with thunderstorms still in the forecast until Thursday, there are doubts as to whether it will go ahead, or if the much-loved tournament will – sadly - fall by the wayside for the fourth time in the last six tournaments.

Mike has over 25 years of experience in journalism, including writing on a range of sports throughout that time, such as golf, football and cricket. Now a freelance staff writer for Golf Monthly, he is dedicated to covering the game's most newsworthy stories.

He has written hundreds of articles on the game, from features offering insights into how members of the public can play some of the world's most revered courses, to breaking news stories affecting everything from the PGA Tour and LIV Golf to developmental Tours and the amateur game.

Mike grew up in East Yorkshire and began his career in journalism in 1997. He then moved to London in 2003 as his career flourished, and nowadays resides in New Brunswick, Canada, where he and his wife raise their young family less than a mile from his local course.

Kevin Cook’s acclaimed 2007 biography, Tommy’s Honour, about golf’s founding father and son, remains one of his all-time favourite sports books.

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