The beloved Par 3 Contest is one of the best traditions at the Masters.
After a two-year absence due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Par 3 Contest played over nine holes ranging from 70 to 140 yards in the northeast corner of Augusta National Golf Club returns in 2022.
Six-time Masters champion Jack Nicklaus, however, will not be playing.
Answering questions in Golfweek’s annual Masters survey, Nicklaus, 82, was talking about what he looked forward to the most when heading to Augusta.
“In many ways it is the start of the golfing season,” Nicklaus said. “It certainly is the start of the major championship season. Even though I don’t play anymore, it’s fun to be there. It’s fun to go to the Masters dinner. I’m done with the Par 3, but toward the end of my career, I used to play every year. But I just can’t play anymore.
“And then there is the honor of hitting the opening tee shot alongside Gary Player. Now, with the addition of our good friend, Tom Watson, that will be nice. I enjoy seeing everybody. It’s like a reunion.”
Nicklaus played in the Par 3 Contest dozens of times since it began in 1960; Sam Snead won the inaugural edition. On most occasions, Nicklaus had one of his five children or 22 grandchildren on the bag.
He last played in 2019 alongside Player and Watson. On the bag was Gary “GT” Nicklaus Jr. On the 112-yard eighth hole, GT teed off and the ball disappeared into the hole.
Nicklaus was 75 before making an ace at Augusta National. His grandson needed one swing. With tears streaming down his face, Nicklaus left the tee box.
“I didn’t want to be disrespectful because six green jackets are pretty good,” he said the next day after participating in the ceremonial tee shots. “But that’s about yourself. When something happens with your children or your grandchildren, that’s far more special to you. And so yesterday, I said, was the greatest day I’ve had at Augusta National.”
