The Masters Par 3 Contest returns Wednesday at Augusta National Golf Club, offering one of the most relaxed and fan-favorite traditions of the week before the tournament begins. Here’s everything to know about start time, TV coverage, streaming options and tee times.
What time does the Masters Par 3 Contest start in 2026?
The Masters Par 3 Contest is scheduled to begin at 12 p.m. ET on Wednesday at Augusta National’s Par 3 Course.
The event typically runs until approximately 4 p.m. ET, though exact timing can vary.
What channel is the Masters Par 3 Contest on?
Television coverage of the Masters Par 3 Contest is scheduled to air on ESPN from 2–4 p.m. ET.
Streaming coverage is available earlier in the day before the television broadcast begins.
How to watch the Masters Par 3 Contest live
Fans can watch the Par 3 Contest live across multiple platforms:
- ESPN (TV) — Coverage from 2–4 p.m. ET
- Masters.com — Free live streaming coverage
- Masters App — Live streaming on mobile devices
- ESPN+ — May carry additional streaming coverage
- Are there tee times for the Masters Par 3 Contest?
Groupings and tee times for the Par 3 Contest are typically announced shortly before the event begins.
Unlike official Masters Tournament rounds, participation is optional, and pairings are more informal. Players often choose to play alongside family members, friends or fellow competitors.
What are the rules of the Masters Par 3 Contest?
The Par 3 Contest is a nine-hole event played on Augusta National’s Par 3 Course.
The lowest score wins
- Players frequently allow family members or children to serve as caddies
- Participants may also allow their caddies or family members to hit shots
Players who receive assistance during play are not eligible to win, though the event is widely viewed as a lighthearted tradition rather than a highly competitive tournament.
Why don’t players want to win the Par 3 Contest?
Despite its relaxed atmosphere, the Par 3 Contest carries one of golf’s most well-known superstitions.
No player has ever won the Par 3 Contest and the Masters Tournament in the same year.
As a result, some players embrace the experience but are not overly focused on winning, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the event each year.
Past winners of the Masters Par 3 Contest
The Par 3 Contest has been a Masters tradition since 1960 and has featured a wide range of winners, including multiple champions and memorable performances.
While the results are part of tournament history, the event is best known for its unique atmosphere, family involvement and iconic moments at Augusta National.
Final thoughts
While the Masters Tournament is defined by pressure and history, the Par 3 Contest offers a rare, more relaxed glimpse of Augusta National. From family moments to unforgettable shots, it remains one of the most distinctive traditions in golf.
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