There’s something undeniably magical about the Masters Par 3 Contest—a tradition that feels less like a warm-up round and more like a family reunion wrapped in the elegance of Augusta National. Held annually on the eve of the main event, this nine-hole contest showcases pro golfers trading fierce competitiveness for playful camaraderie, inviting their children, spouses, and partners onto the course in what might be the most wholesome event in the sport.
At the heart of it all in 2025 stood players like Zach Johnson, whose light-hearted commentary after a stellar shot—“I can’t even see that far”—elicited chuckles from the crowd. That’s the essence of the Par 3: easy laughs, feel-good moments, and a deep sense of community. It’s a rare sight to see legends of the game and rising stars alike sharing the fairway with their toddlers clad in miniature caddie jumpsuits bearing their last names.
For Sahith Theegala and his partner Juju Chan, the event offered a joyful breather. “It is so cute to see all the players with their families, especially with their kids,” said Juju. “The Par 3 is such a lighthearted event before the intensity and excitement of the actual tournament sets in. I love being out there with Sahith!”
Alayna Finau, wife of pro Tony Finau, echoed that sentiment, reminiscing on the chaos and charm of preparing six children for the big day. “It’s a little stressful trying to get my kids ready, especially in those hot, not-breathable white caddie uniforms,” she laughed. “But it’s probably my favorite tradition ever. The first year was the funniest because they were so young, rolling down the hills.”
For their eldest son, Jraice, the day carries extra significance. “Our oldest is big into golf, and getting to hit on the ninth hole two years in a row? He thought it was the coolest thing ever,” Alayna shared.
Nerves, it turns out, aren’t just reserved for tournament play. “I wasn’t really nervous until I had to hit some shots in front of thousands of people,” Juju admitted. “I was honestly more nervous last year playing in front of the other players!”
There’s an old superstition that no golfer has ever won both the Par 3 Contest and the Masters in the same year, so while winning is never the goal, making memories certainly is.
Cameras, banned on tournament days, are welcomed during the Par 3, adding a relaxed, behind-the-scenes feel. Guests—called “patrons” at Augusta—stake out spots early, trusting that no one will move their reserved chairs. It’s part of the unique Masters etiquette, a blend of reverence and southern hospitality.
From Scottie Scheffler and his wife Meredith cradling their son Bennett, to Jon Rahm’s whole crew including his newborn daughter Alaia, the course was filled with moments that reminded everyone why golf is truly a family sport.
Rory McIlroy delighted fans by hitting a shot from within the crowd. Nearby, the kids of McIlroy, Shane Lowry, and Tommy Fleetwood enjoyed the green together, perhaps not realizing the history of the place beneath their feet. Even Bubba Watson couldn’t resist breaking the no-phone rule—just for a moment—to capture a memory of his children putting.
It wasn’t just players and pros making waves. Stephan Jaeger’s pregnant wife Shelby gave a gentle putt, while Byeong Hun An’s daughter stole hearts as her brother cheekily tapped the ball in for her. J.J. Spaun strolled the course with one of his children in his arms, a picture of serenity against Augusta’s legendary backdrop.
Elsewhere, Akshay Bhatia, Sahith Theegala, and Nicolas Echavarria were trailed by their partners Presleigh Schulz, Juju Chan, and Claudia De Antonio, watching supportively from the green. Christiaan Bezuidenhout’s son tried to abscond with a tee while helping his dad line up a shot—a playful interruption that captured the spirit of the day.
Some of the most endearing moments happened when strangers became part of the show. Tom Kim and Sam Burns plucked a young boy from the crowd, cheering him on as he attempted a putt on the 7th green, while Alayna Finau balanced motherhood and Augusta’s southern heat, shaded lovingly by her daughter’s umbrella.
Beyond the contest, the grounds buzzed with activity as players took to the course for practice rounds. From the blooming azaleas to the echo of golf legends past, Augusta was, as always, the perfect canvas for timeless tradition.
As the sun dipped behind the Georgia pines and the grounds crew prepared the main course for tomorrow’s start, one thing was clear: the 2025 Masters Par 3 Contest wasn’t just a preview—it was a celebration of the soul of the game
