AUGUSTA, Ga. — In a delightful twist at the Masters’ Par 3 Contest, three-year-old Sammy Spieth displayed his budding golf talent, overshadowing his father’s professional peers, Justin Thomas and Max Homa, on the second hole. Sammy, with a cross-handed grip, launched his drive about 30 yards straight down the fairway, while Thomas and Homa misjudged their wedge shots, sending them short and into the bunker. Jordan Spieth, the 2015 Masters champion, chose to focus on managing his caddie crew, which included Sammy, his one-year-old daughter Sophie, and his wife Annie, who is expecting their third child in July.
The Par 3 Contest witnessed Masters rookie Nico Echavarria take the title with a birdie on the second playoff hole against J.J. Spaun after both finished at 5-under 22. While the Masters itself can be a challenging feat due to its competitive field, the Par 3 Contest is notably more relaxed, with most players opting for a more casual approach. Celebrated veteran golfer Gary Player, the eldest living Masters champion at 89, showcased his skills with three consecutive birdies, almost achieving hole-in-ones on holes 6 and 7; however, like many participants, he didn’t record an official score.
The Par 3 Contest has a curious reputation as no player has won both it and the Masters in the same year since its inception in 1960. This has led to a tradition where players are reluctant to submit their scores. Rory McIlroy, focusing on a career Grand Slam, embraced the family-friendly atmosphere, sharing the moment with his wife Erica and their four-year-old daughter, Poppy, who delighted the crowd by sinking a putt on the ninth hole.
Several players, including Keegan Bradley and Scottie Scheffler, added to the light-hearted vibe with memorable moments. Bradley notched the day’s first ace on the sixth hole and celebrated with his young sons. Meanwhile, Scheffler managed a one-handed birdie while holding his 11-month-old son, Bennett. Tom Hoge and Brooks Koepka also delivered aces, contributing to the day’s total.
The event wasn’t for everyone, as some opted to dedicate their time to preparation for the upcoming main event. Players like Xander Schauffele, Patrick Cantlay, and Phil Mickelson skipped the fun, preferring to refine their skills on the practice range. As McIlroy reflected, maintaining energy levels and preparing for what lies ahead in the tournament week remains crucial.