Masters Par 3 Contest: See aces, smile-worthy moments, first-time winner
Masters Par 3 Contest: See aces, smile-worthy moments, first-time winner
The 2026 Masters Par 3 Contest at Augusta National Golf Club proved once again to be the most heartwarming tradition in sports, blending high-level shot-making with pure family joy. On a sun-drenched Wednesday afternoon, the galleries were treated to a spectacle of four holes-in-one, including a historic back-to-back feat and legendary displays of longevity. While the focus is often on the white-caddied toddlers and playful atmosphere, the competitive side saw Englishman Aaron Rai emerge as a first-time winner, navigating the nine-hole course with precision and a record-tying late surge of birdies. The 2026 Masters Par 3 Contest winner is Aaron Rai, who finished with a score of 6-under-par 21. Rai secured his victory by closing his round with four consecutive birdies, edging out Jacob Bridgeman and Johnny Keefer by a single stroke. The event also featured four holes-in-one recorded by Justin Thomas, Wyndham Clark, Keegan Bradley, and Tommy Fleetwood. Notably, Keegan Bradley became the first player in the history of the contest to record an ace in consecutive years.Aaron Rai Secures Victory with Brilliant Birdie Blitz
Englishman Aaron Rai etched his name into the history books of Augusta National by claiming the 2026 Masters Par 3 Contest title. Known for his methodical approach and unique double-glove style, Rai demonstrated incredible composure on the short course. His round began steadily, but it was his finish that left the patrons in awe. Rai birdied the final four holes of the course to post a clubhouse lead of 6-under-par 21. This victory is particularly significant as it marks Rai's first win in this prestigious Wednesday tradition. While many players treat the event as a purely social outing—often allowing their children to putt or intentionally disqualifying themselves by letting caddies take shots—Rai played a disciplined round that showcased why he is one of the rising stars on the global circuit. He finished just one stroke ahead of American Jacob Bridgeman and newcomer Johnny Keefer, both of whom put up valiant efforts with scores of 5-under-par.The Curse of the Par 3 Contest Winner
While Aaron Rai celebrated his trophy and the accompanying crystal vase, the "Par 3 Curse" remains a heavy topic of conversation. Since the inaugural contest in 1960 won by Sam Snead, no player has ever won the Par 3 Contest and the Masters Tournament in the same year. This statistical anomaly has become one of the most famous superstitions in golf. Rai, however, seemed unfazed by the history. After his round, he expressed that the joy of competing at Augusta and the momentum gained from a win far outweighs any superstitious concerns. As the main tournament begins, all eyes will be on whether Rai can become the first person to break this decades-old trend and don the Green Jacket on Sunday.Keegan Bradley Makes History with Consecutive Aces
Perhaps the most statistically improbable moment of the day belonged to Keegan Bradley. Last year, Bradley delighted fans with an ace on the 6th hole. This year, playing alongside Wyndham Clark and Gary Woodland, Bradley found the bottom of the cup again, this time on the 8th hole. This achievement makes him the first player in the 66-year history of the Masters Par 3 Contest to record a hole-in-one in two consecutive years. Bradley’s ace was the third of the afternoon and sent a roar through the pines that could be heard across the entire property. The former PGA Champion celebrated with his typical high-energy enthusiasm, high-fiving patrons and his playing partners. The feat highlights the unique nature of the Augusta National short course, where the greens are designed to funnel well-struck balls toward the hole, creating the potential for such historic runs.Justin Thomas and the Family Spotlight
Justin Thomas started the day's highlights early by recording the first hole-in-one of the 2026 contest on the second hole. It was Thomas’s first ace at the event in a decade, having last achieved the feat in 2016. However, it wasn't just his golf that caught the public's eye. His one-year-old daughter, Molly Grace, caddied for him in her miniature white jumpsuit and stole the show. After Thomas made his ace, Molly Grace attempted to grab his club to take a swing of her own, much to the delight of the crowd. Thomas, playing with close friends Jordan Spieth and Max Homa, reportedly had a friendly wager on the line. After the ball dropped, Thomas immediately signaled to Spieth and Homa that they owed him $1,000 each, adding a layer of professional camaraderie to the family-focused event.Tommy Fleetwood and Son Frankie Viral Moments
Tommy Fleetwood contributed to the day's tally with a beautiful hole-in-one on the 4th hole, but for the second year in a row, the real star of the Fleetwood family was eight-year-old Frankie. Last year, Frankie went viral for his disappointment at not clearing the water on the 9th hole. This year, the "Frankie Watch" was in full effect. As the group reached the 9th hole, the crowd urged Frankie to take his shot. His first attempt unfortunately found the water again, but after a "mulligan" and some coaching from his dad, his second shot narrowly missed the green by just a few feet. Frankie’s infectious smile and the support from the patrons, who were packed shoulder to shoulder, provided one of the most "smile-worthy" moments of the entire week.| 2026 Par 3 Contest Key Stats | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament Winner | Aaron Rai (-6) |
| Total Holes-in-One | 4 (Thomas, Clark, Bradley, Fleetwood) |
| Historic Achievement | Keegan Bradley (Back-to-back years with an ace) |
| Runner-Ups | Jacob Bridgeman, Johnny Keefer (-5) |
Wyndham Clark Joins the Ace Club
Wyndham Clark, the former U.S. Open champion, also found magic on the course. Clark recorded a hole-in-one on the 7th hole from 109 yards out. It was the second ace of the afternoon and the first on that specific hole since 2024. Clark’s performance was part of a high-energy group that saw two aces in a matter of minutes, as his playing partner Keegan Bradley followed him with his own ace shortly after. Clark finished the day with a strong score, further solidifying his status as a contender for the main tournament.Gary Player Defies Age at 90 Years Old
The legendary Gary Player, a three-time Masters champion and 90 years young, proved that age is just a number at Augusta National. Player, who holds the all-time record for career aces in the Par 3 Contest with six, didn't add a seventh this year, but he did roll in a spectacular 30-foot birdie putt on the second hole. The "Black Knight" continues to be a fitness icon and a favorite among the patrons. After his birdie, he interacted with a young fan, promising they would play a round together in the future. Player’s presence at the Par 3 Contest is a bridge to the tournament's rich history, and his ability to still compete and entertain at such a high level is a testament to his lifelong dedication to the game.Heartwarming Scenes with the Harman and Scheffler Families
The Par 3 Contest is as much about the caddies as it is about the players. Brian Harman’s daughter, Cooper, showed off her putting skills by draining a long putt that hit the flagstick and dropped, drawing one of the loudest cheers of the day. Meanwhile, world number one Scottie Scheffler enjoyed a family outing with his two-year-old son Bennett and his wife Meredith, who was carrying their newest addition, Remy. Watching the game's biggest stars relax and enjoy the company of their families is a rare sight in professional sports. These moments of humanity and connection are what make the Wednesday at Augusta so special for the players. It serves as a mental reset before the intense pressure of the Masters begins on Thursday morning.FAQ Section
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who won the 2026 Masters Par 3 Contest? Aaron Rai took home the trophy with a score of 21 (-6).
- How many aces occurred this year? A total of four holes-in-one were recorded during the afternoon session.
- Did Keegan Bradley make history? Yes, he is the first player to record aces in back-to-back years at the Par 3 Contest.
- Has anyone broken the Par 3 curse? As of 2026, no player has ever won both the Par 3 and the Green Jacket in the same year.
- Who holds the record for most Par 3 wins? Padraig Harrington holds the record with three victories.
Conclusion
The 2026 Masters Par 3 Contest lived up to its reputation as the soul of Augusta National. From the historic back-to-back aces of Keegan Bradley to the dominant finish by Aaron Rai, the event provided plenty of highlights for golf purists. However, the lasting images will undoubtedly be of the children in white jumpsuits, the playful banter between superstars like Thomas and Spieth, and the timeless grace of legends like Gary Player. As the sun sets on this delightful tradition, the focus now shifts to the grueling challenge of the 72-hole tournament, where Aaron Rai will look to defy the odds and turn his Wednesday success into a Sunday celebration.Masters Par 3 Contest: See aces, smile-worthy moments, first-time winner
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