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(Reuters) - The popular Par 3 contest normally
held on the eve of the Masters will not be played next month
since spectators will not be allowed at the event because of the
COVID-19 pandemic, Augusta National Golf Club said on Tuesday.
The beloved exhibition, which began in 1960, has become one of
the most endearing traditions at the Masters and is very much a
family affair as golfers often have wives, girlfriends,
children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews serve as caddies.
"The fun and excitement of watching Masters competitors with
their friends and family is what makes the Par 3 Contest such a
special part of Masters week," Augusta National Chairman Fred
Ridley said in a news release.
"We know that experience could not have been replicated without
guests and patrons at Augusta National, and we eagerly
anticipate the opportunity to bring back this signature
tradition."
Famously, no winner of the nine-hole event has ever gone on to
triumph in the Masters the same year.
In 2017, the Par 3 contest was called off for the first time in
its history because of inclement weather.
This year's Masters, originally scheduled to be held in early
April, was postponed to Nov. 12-15 because of the COVID-19
outbreak and will be held without spectators.
(Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto; Editing by Toby Davis)
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