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Pat McAfee Defends ESPN's Kelce Hire for Masters Par 3 Coverage
The sports media personality says Augusta National has repeatedly rejected his own attempts to be part of the tournament's broadcast team.
Apr. 2, 2026 at 2:35pm
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Pat McAfee praised ESPN's decision to have former NFL star Jason Kelce join the network's coverage of the Masters Par 3 Contest, noting that Kelce is a knowledgeable golf fan and a 'G.O.A.T.' in his sport. However, McAfee also revealed that Augusta National Golf Club has repeatedly rejected his own attempts to be part of the tournament's broadcast team, saying the club tries to 'preserve (decorum)' and has 'turned us down very loudly numerous times.'
Why it matters
The Masters is one of the most prestigious events in golf, and Augusta National is known for its strict control over the tournament's broadcast and media coverage. McAfee's comments shed light on the club's selective approach to who it allows to be part of the coverage, even for events like the Par 3 Contest that are more lighthearted.
The details
McAfee praised Kelce's upcoming role, saying the former Eagles star 'likes golf, he knows golf, he's obviously a G.O.A.T. at his position' and will 'provide a bonus for the par-3 coverage.' However, McAfee revealed that he and his team have tried for three consecutive years to be part of the Masters' Wednesday Par 3 Contest coverage, only to be repeatedly rejected by Augusta National, which he says 'tries to preserve (decorum) as a whole' and has 'turned us down very loudly numerous times.'
- McAfee's comments were made on his show in early April 2026.
- Kelce's role in ESPN's Masters Par 3 Contest coverage was revealed earlier in 2026.
The players
Pat McAfee
A sports media personality who has tried unsuccessfully for three years to be part of Augusta National's Masters broadcast team.
Jason Kelce
A former NFL star and Super Bowl champion who will work in an on-course role during the Masters Par 3 Contest for ESPN.
Augusta National Golf Club
The host of the Masters tournament, known for its strict control over the event's broadcast and media coverage.
What they’re saying
“We'd like to say congrats Jason. Jason Kelce likes golf, he knows golf, he's obviously a G.O.A.T. at his position. He's a Super Bowl champion.”
— Pat McAfee, Sports media personality
“Please for the love of god no. ESPN is just going to shove the Kelces down everyone's throats like McAfee.”
— Anonymous commenter
“Ah yes let's ruin the sacred week of golf with (bleeping) clowns, bring McAfee along while we're at it. (Bleep) ESPN.”
— Anonymous commenter
What’s next
It remains to be seen how Kelce's on-course role during the Masters Par 3 Contest will be received by golf fans, and whether Augusta National will continue to reject attempts by McAfee and his team to be part of the tournament's broadcast coverage.
The takeaway
This situation highlights the tension between Augusta National's desire to maintain the Masters' traditional decorum and the growing trend of sports media personalities seeking to bring a more lighthearted and relatable approach to golf coverage. It remains to be seen if the club will continue to resist these efforts or find a way to strike a balance.
