Masters 2026 Par 3 Contest: What to Know, How to Watch on TV and Streaming

The annual Par 3 Contest at Augusta National kicks off Masters week on Wednesday.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 8:04am

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A dynamic, abstract painting in neon colors depicting the energy and excitement of the Masters Par 3 Contest, with golfers, caddies, and spectators blending into a vibrant, kinetic scene.The annual Par 3 Contest at the Masters Tournament brings a joyful, family-friendly atmosphere to the start of golf's most prestigious event.Augusta Today

The Par 3 Contest, a beloved tradition at the Masters Tournament, will take place on Wednesday, April 9, 2026 at Augusta National Golf Club. The event features players from the Masters field, as well as past champions, competing on the Par 3 Course. Fans can watch the action live on ESPN and stream it on Masters.com and the Masters app.

Why it matters

The Par 3 Contest provides a lighthearted start to Masters week, as players are allowed to choose their own caddies, often bringing family members along. It's considered bad luck, however, for a player to win the Par 3 Contest and then go on to win the Masters Tournament in the same year.

The details

The Par 3 Contest is scheduled to begin at 12 p.m. ET on Wednesday and run until approximately 4 p.m. The first two hours will be broadcast on ESPN Unlimited and Disney+, with the action then moving to the main ESPN channel from 2-4 p.m. Tee times are typically released just before the event starts, as players sign up voluntarily. In addition to the current Masters field, past champions are also eligible to compete. The goal is to shoot the lowest score over the nine-hole Par 3 Course, though many players opt to have family members putt for them on the final hole, which technically disqualifies them from winning.

  • The Par 3 Contest is scheduled for Wednesday, April 9, 2026.
  • The event is set to run from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. ET.

The players

Masters Tournament field

Players competing in the 2026 Masters Tournament are eligible to participate in the Par 3 Contest.

Past Masters Champions

Past winners of the Masters Tournament are also allowed to compete in the Par 3 Contest.

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What’s next

The Par 3 Contest will take place on Wednesday, April 9, 2026, the day before the start of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.

The takeaway

The Par 3 Contest is a beloved tradition that kicks off Masters week with a lighthearted atmosphere, as players are joined by family members and friends on the course. While winning the Par 3 Contest is considered bad luck for the main tournament, the event remains a highlight for both players and fans alike.