The Masters Par 3 contest is loved by many, but is it really the best way to prepare for the season's first major?
Is It Time To Ditch The Masters Par 3 Contest?
The Masters Par 3 Contest begins today where the players will take to Augusta’s stunning par 3 course for what has become a Masters tradition, having been played since 1960.
The honorary starters, Nicklaus and Player, will take to the course and competitors will bring their wives, girlfriends, and children along for the fun.
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But is this fun really the best way to prepare for the season’s first major?
Is this the best preparation for The Masters?
I recently caught up with Sky Sports’ Rich Beem, who has made five Masters appearances.
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He told me about his love for the course, “It’s so immaculate you almost can’t believe it.”
Jimmy Walker won the par 3 contest last year to end his chances of winning the Green Jacket, no man has won both in the same year
“What a fun event too, you get out there and you get the families, you get kids caddying for dad and it’s really cool to see all the generations of people that are out there watching the event.”
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With social media and increased TV coverage, the par 3 contest has become a slight novelty in recent times for those at home, when before it was covered in mystique.
A fun event it is, but should it really take place the day before the season’s first major?
The par 3 course from the sky
I think not. Perhaps the par 3 contest could be the Monday curtain raiser, before all the serious stuff begins.
Is it any worse than a six hour slog in a pro-am? Maybe not, but at least the players get to practice on the course.
Let us know on our social media channels – Do you like the Masters par 3 contest?
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