8-year-old Steals Spotlight at Masters Par 3 Contest

Young Frankie Fleetwood captivates crowd with near-misses at Augusta National

Apr. 8, 2026 at 10:50pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting the Par 3 Contest at Augusta National, with sharp geometric planes of green fairways, blue water hazards, and white golf balls in flight, capturing the energy and excitement of the family-friendly event.A young golf fan's near-misses captivate the crowd at the annual Masters Par 3 Contest, a beloved tradition that brings families and the next generation of players to Augusta National.Augusta Today

Eight-year-old Frankie Fleetwood, son of pro golfer Tommy Fleetwood, stole the show at the annual Par 3 Contest at the Masters tournament in Augusta, Georgia. Despite not being able to clear the water hazard in front of the ninth green, Frankie's spirited attempts and near-misses captivated the large gallery of spectators.

Why it matters

The Par 3 Contest is a beloved tradition at the Masters, allowing golf fans to see the game's top players in a more relaxed, family-friendly setting. Frankie Fleetwood's endearing performance highlighted the event's ability to create memorable moments and showcase the next generation of golf enthusiasts.

The details

Eight-year-old Frankie Fleetwood, son of professional golfer Tommy Fleetwood, was the center of attention during the Par 3 Contest at Augusta National. A year after lamenting that he couldn't clear the water hazard in front of the ninth green, Frankie took another shot at it, narrowly missing the green with his tee shots. Despite his disappointment, the crowd cheered him on and encouraged him to take a mulligan, which he did, coming even closer to the hole.

  • The Par 3 Contest took place on Wednesday, April 9, 2026, the day before the start of the 2026 Masters Tournament.
  • Frankie Fleetwood had previously struggled with the ninth hole during the 2025 Par 3 Contest.

The players

Frankie Fleetwood

An 8-year-old boy and the son of professional golfer Tommy Fleetwood, who captivated the crowd with his spirited attempts to clear the water hazard during the Par 3 Contest.

Tommy Fleetwood

A professional golfer and the father of Frankie Fleetwood, who had a hole-in-one during the Par 3 Contest but was overshadowed by his son's performance.

Aaron Rai

The winner of the 2026 Par 3 Contest, who birdied the last four holes to shoot 6-under par, though no Par 3 Contest winner has gone on to win the Masters in the same year.

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What they’re saying

“'I'm not so confident, but honestly on the range this afternoon I felt good, so I feel like I got a chance.'”

— Frankie Fleetwood

“'Nearly got it. A few inches, maybe.'”

— Frankie Fleetwood

“'He was happy with his shots, and he was so close as well. Another year, right, Frank?'”

— Tommy Fleetwood

What’s next

Frankie Fleetwood will likely return to the Par 3 Contest at Augusta National in 2027, hoping to finally clear the water hazard in front of the ninth green.

The takeaway

Frankie Fleetwood's spirited performance at the Masters Par 3 Contest showcased the event's ability to create memorable moments and engage the next generation of golf fans, even if the young competitor didn't achieve his goal. His determination and the crowd's enthusiastic support highlighted the enduring appeal of this beloved Masters tradition.