Colombia’s Nicolas Echavarria and American JJ Spaun – beaten by McIlroy in the Players Championship play-off last month – finished top of the leaderboard on five under par.
But Spaun suffered more misery in a play-off as the 30-year-old Echavarria took the honours.
It’s a position that would appear to be cursed given no player has gone on to win the Masters in the same year as winning the Par 3 Contest, which was first played in 1960.
The score and the competition doesn’t matter for most. Spending quality time with wives, girlfriends and children is what Wednesday afternoon at the Masters is all about.
England’s Aaron Rai was made to carry his own bag from tee to green after his caddie hit the putting surface with her tee shot, while he ended up in the rough.
“We’re waiting nine months from the last major so to end your preparations with such a fun afternoon is great,” said McIlroy.
“If you’re not ready by now, you don’t have a chance. Let’s have fun, go home, have dinner and rest and relax for Thursday.”
Leave a Reply