Celebrity Caddies Steal the Show at Masters Par 3 Contest

Kevin Hart, Jason Kelce, and other big personalities bring a playful spirit to golf's most storied tradition.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 2:41pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors, capturing the dynamic energy and spontaneous spirit of the 2026 Masters Par 3 Contest, where celebrity caddies added a new dimension to the iconic golf event.The 2026 Masters Par 3 Contest saw a fusion of sports, celebrity, and entertainment, as big personalities like Kevin Hart and Jason Kelce brought a playful energy to golf's most storied tradition.Augusta Today

The 2026 Masters Par 3 Contest was a showcase of star power, as celebrities like comedian Kevin Hart and former NFL player Jason Kelce took on caddying duties for PGA Tour pros. The lighthearted moments and improvisational energy injected a sense of fun and accessibility into the usually buttoned-up event, blending sports, entertainment, and culture in a way that has become increasingly common at major golf tournaments.

Why it matters

The growing presence of celebrities in non-traditional sporting roles reflects a broader trend of athletes becoming multi-hyphenate personalities who contribute to a sport's storytelling as much as its technical mastery. This dynamic challenges the notion of golf as an exclusive, tradition-bound game, opening it up to new audiences while preserving its core identity.

The details

In one memorable moment, Hart quipped that he would 'step in' if his player, Bryson DeChambeau, wasn't listening, blending humor and bravado in a way that captured the playful spirit of the event. Meanwhile, former Eagles lineman Jason Kelce was spotted lying on the ground to help his player, Akshay Bhatia, read a tricky putt, blending sports science with theatrical showmanship.

  • The 2026 Masters Par 3 Contest took place on April 10, 2026.

The players

Kevin Hart

A popular comedian who served as a celebrity caddie for Bryson DeChambeau during the Par 3 Contest.

Jason Kelce

A former NFL player who caddied for Akshay Bhatia, using an unorthodox method of lying on the ground to help read a putt.

Bryson DeChambeau

A PGA Tour pro who had Kevin Hart as his celebrity caddie for the Par 3 Contest.

Akshay Bhatia

A young PGA Tour player who had Jason Kelce as his celebrity caddie for the Par 3 Contest.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

The takeaway

The Masters Par 3 Contest has become a stage for blending sports, celebrity, and entertainment in a way that expands golf's audience while preserving its core traditions. As athletes increasingly take on multi-hyphenate roles, events like this showcase the sport's ability to adapt to changing cultural dynamics without sacrificing its reverence for the game.