8-year-old Frankie Fleetwood steals the show during Par 3 Contest on the eve of the Masters

Young Fleetwood nearly holes out at Augusta National, stealing the spotlight from his father Tommy's hole-in-one

Apr. 9, 2026 at 1:04am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the Par 3 Contest at Augusta National, with the young Frankie Fleetwood taking a swing at the center of the frame, surrounded by other golfers in the background.A young golf prodigy captivates the crowd with his determined performance at the Masters' Par 3 Contest.Augusta Today

Eight-year-old Frankie Fleetwood stole the show at the Par 3 Contest at Augusta National on the eve of the Masters, nearly holing out his tee shot on the 120-yard hole despite his earlier admission of lacking confidence. His father, Tommy Fleetwood, had earlier aced the fourth hole, but all eyes were on young Frankie as he took two swings, narrowly missing the green both times to the delight of the cheering crowd. While Aaron Rai won the Par 3 Contest, the story of the day was the young Fleetwood's performance.

Why it matters

The Par 3 Contest at the Masters is a beloved tradition that allows golf fans to see the game's top players in a more relaxed, family-friendly setting. Frankie Fleetwood's charming performance, complete with his honest assessment of his own abilities, captured the spirit of the event and endeared him to the Augusta patrons, showcasing the next generation of golf talent.

The details

Eight-year-old Frankie Fleetwood, the son of professional golfer Tommy Fleetwood, took center stage at the Par 3 Contest, drawing cheers from the crowd as he narrowly missed the green on his two tee shots. Despite his earlier admission of lacking confidence, Frankie made solid contact on both swings, splashing his first shot to the right of the green and missing the second by just a couple of feet. His father, Tommy, had earlier aced the fourth hole, but all eyes were on young Frankie as he tried to replicate the feat.

  • On Wednesday, April 8, 2026, the Par 3 Contest was held at Augusta National Golf Club on the eve of the Masters tournament.
  • Earlier in the day, Tommy Fleetwood had aced the fourth hole during the Par 3 Contest.

The players

Frankie Fleetwood

An 8-year-old boy and the son of professional golfer Tommy Fleetwood, who stole the show during the Par 3 Contest at Augusta National.

Tommy Fleetwood

A professional golfer who had a hole-in-one during the Par 3 Contest, but was upstaged by his young son Frankie's performance.

Aaron Rai

The winner of the Par 3 Contest, who birdied the last four holes to shoot 6 under par.

Justin Thomas

A professional golfer who aced the second hole during the Par 3 Contest.

Wyndham Clark

A professional golfer who had a hole-in-one on the seventh hole during the Par 3 Contest.

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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

“It's a special day. It's really fun. Obviously a beautiful day. And hopefully just a great start to a great week.”

— Justin Thomas

What’s next

The 2026 Masters tournament will begin on Thursday, April 9, 2026, following the conclusion of the Par 3 Contest.

The takeaway

Frankie Fleetwood's charming and determined performance at the Par 3 Contest captured the hearts of golf fans, showcasing the next generation of talent and the enduring appeal of the Masters' family-friendly traditions.