ESPN Taps Jason Kelce for Masters Par 3 Contest Coverage

The NFL star's golf broadcasting debut at TGL leads to a high-profile gig at Augusta National.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 2:40pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a golfer mid-swing, with the figure broken into sharp, overlapping planes of emerald green, sky blue, and golden yellow, conveying the fragmented and multi-perspective nature of the coverage surrounding Kelce's new role at the Masters.The Masters' embrace of new voices and perspectives, like that of former NFL star Jason Kelce, has sparked debate within the golf community.Augusta Today

After making his golf broadcasting debut for the new Tech Golf League (TGL), former NFL player Jason Kelce has been tapped by ESPN to serve as an on-course reporter for the Masters Par 3 Contest at Augusta National Golf Club. This represents a major opportunity for Kelce, who joined ESPN's Monday Night Countdown pregame crew in 2024 following his retirement from the NFL. However, the decision has drawn criticism from some golf fans who feel Kelce lacks the necessary experience and credibility to cover such a prestigious event.

Why it matters

The Masters is one of the most revered events in all of sports, and the decision to bring in a relative newcomer like Kelce has raised eyebrows among the golf community. Some fans feel his presence at Augusta National could detract from the traditional atmosphere and experience of the tournament.

The details

Kelce's new role will have him conducting interviews with players and their families during the Par 3 Contest, which is a popular pre-tournament event at the Masters. The move comes after Kelce's debut as a golf broadcaster for the TGL, a new tech-infused golf league that launched in 2026. While some praised Kelce's performance, others felt his commentary was 'super cringe and super forced'.

  • Kelce joined ESPN's Monday Night Countdown pregame crew in 2024 after retiring from the NFL.
  • Kelce made his golf broadcasting debut for the TGL in 2026.

The players

Jason Kelce

A former NFL player who is now part of ESPN's Monday Night Countdown pregame crew and will serve as an on-course reporter for the Masters Par 3 Contest.

Travis Kelce

Jason Kelce's younger brother, with whom he co-hosts the New Heights podcast.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Kelce's performance as an on-course reporter at the Masters Par 3 Contest will be closely watched, as it could determine whether he receives additional high-profile golf broadcasting opportunities in the future.

The takeaway

The decision to bring in Jason Kelce, a relative newcomer to golf broadcasting, for the Masters Par 3 Contest has sparked debate within the golf community. While some see it as a fresh perspective, others feel it could detract from the traditional atmosphere of the prestigious tournament. Kelce's ability to handle the assignment with professionalism and credibility will be crucial in determining whether this move by ESPN is viewed as a success or a misstep.