The Masters Par 3 Contest: 2024 Tee Times and Groups for Augusta’s Traditional Tournament Prelude

There are many great viewing spots at Augusta

The Masters Par 3 Contest is the traditional prelude to the tournament proper with players and their families relaxing around Augusta’s short course. Here’s who’s playing in the 2024 event at Augusta National on Wednesday afternoon.

Past champions and a host of the current field will tee it up around the famous par 3 course with the likes of Gary Player, Tom Watson, Nick Faldo, and Ian Woosnam dusting off their clubs to compete against Dustin Johnson, Adam Scott, Jon Rahm, Scottie Scheffler and more.

Famously no player has ever won the Par 3 Contest and gone on to win the Green Jacket. Could that change in 2024? And is ‘the curse’ really a thing?

Rory McIlroy is taking no chances and won’t tee it up in this year’s event. Having only arrived at Augusta on Tuesday morning and with his fresh approach to his build-up for his latest bid to complete the career grand slam, the Northern Irishman has opted to spend the time finalizing his preparations for Thursday’s first round. McIlroy plays alongside Scheffler and Xander Schauffele in the opening two rounds – full tee times and groupings here.

Tiger Woods has also chosen to sit out the event. The five-time Masters champion has already spoken this week about the constant pain he suffers and the challenges of Augusta’s undulations on his body, so it is no surprise that he will spend the time resting his body before he embarks of his quest for sixth Green Jacket and 16th Major title.

The Par 3 Contest is always a hit with the players who enjoy sharing the afternoon with their families and friends. Expect to see plenty of kids in mini white boiler suits, rolling down the hills, wives and girlfriends having a putt, caddies hitting some shots off the tees, and, if previous years are anything to go by, a good few aces. Hopefully, we’ll see more Masters hole-in-ones across the four tournament days, too.

Speaking on Tuesday about the pressures of balancing life as a father and pro golfer, Brooks Koepka voiced his excitement about sharing the afternoon with his wife Jena and young son Crew.

“It was the coolest moment of my life, having him. And he’ll be out tomorrow at the Par 3, him and Jena. So I’m super excited for that,” the five-time Major champ said. “Even last week he came out Friday for the first round, and that was pretty special for me, just to see him. He’s not going to remember it, but just having him there and seeing the first time he’s ever seen me hit a golf ball.

“So, yeah, it’s special. It’s special for me, and I’m sure it is for Jena, and tomorrow will be a lot of fun.”

Jack Nicklaus lists his grandson, Gary Nicklaus Jnr, holing out from the final tee in the 2018 contest as one of his favorite Masters memories – and the Golden Bear has more than his fair share to choose from having won here a record six times. The 17-time Major champion won’t be playing in 2024 but will take his place on the 1st tee on Thursday morning to perform Honorary Starter duties alongside Player and Watson. Nicklaus was also one of 34 Green Jacket owners to attend Jon Rahm’s Champions Dinner on Tuesday evening.

Who won the 2023 Masters Par 3 Contest?

Tom Hoge won the 2023 competition with a six-under-par 21 in 2023. That was two shots shy of breaking Jimmy Walker’s eight-under record, which he set in 2016.

How long is the Masters Par 3 Contest course?

Augusta’s nine-hole par-3 course is just 1,090 yards in total with holes ranging from 90 yards to 155 yards.

The course underwent a major renovation before the 2023 Masters week, with reroutings of the first five holes along with a reshaping of DeSoto Springs Pond, one of two ponds on the layout.

1st: 130yds
2nd: 100yds
3rd: 105yds
4th: 90yds
5th: 155yds
6th: 140yds
7th: 115yds
8th: 120yds
9th: 135yds

Masters 2024 Par 3 Contest Tee Times and Groups

All times EST. BST is +5 hours. Tee times and players subject to change.

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Rob Jerram – Digital Editor

Rob specializes in the DP World Tour, PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and the Ryder Cup, spending large chunks of his days reading about, writing about, and watching the tours each month.

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