:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72149434/1286523879.0.jpg "Masters Par 3 contest: What is the Par 3 contest? Play format, how many holes, rules, who is playing")
Before the Masters begins in all its high-stakes pretense, Augusta National Golf Club will host the Par 3 Contest on Wednesday, April 5. A light-hearted family event that precedes the tournament, the Par 3 contest invites former champions, both participating and non-participating, as well as golfers from the current year's field to play nine holes at the Par 3 course also on the grounds of Augusta National Golf Club.
And while it's long been considered as one of the most beautiful courses in the world, the Par 3 has undergone significant changes since last year's contest. Big changes to the first five holes will be tested for the first time.
The golfers often invite parents, wives, girlfriends, and children to be their caddies for the event, even occasionally inviting their caddies and guests to hit a shot or two in the tournament. And the image of little ones toddling around in their all-white caddie uniforms is absolutely adorable, while sometimes one of the kids even sticks it in the hole.