Wednesday morning at The Masters is the competitors last chance to sharpen their games before the pressure of tournament play clamps down.
Wednesday afternoon at The Masters, however, is a different story. Wives, girlfriends, brothers, sisters, friends, children and grandchildren all don the famous Augusta National caddie overalls and head to the par-3 course for a bit of fun and relaxation.
While the Par-3 Curse still looms large over those superstitious enough to believe that if you win the hit and giggle on Wenesday, you’re doomed from wearing the green jacket on Sunday, ways players have found to politely disqualify themselves have become some of the best highlights over the years.
Whether it be bringing a fan onto the green to hit a putt, as Justin Thomas did on Wednesday…
A special moment for this young patron. pic.twitter.com/9pw9YtyLwn
— Masters Tournament (@TheMasters) April 11, 2019
…or allowing your caddie to hit a shot for you — and ace it! — as Jack Nicklaus did last year…
Jack Nicklaus and his grandson, GT remember the unforgettable caddie hole-in-one from last year’s Par 3 Contest. pic.twitter.com/8fFIShC8m7
— Masters Tournament (@TheMasters) April 10, 2019
… the lengths the pros will go to take themselves out of the official competition make for memories that will last a lifetime. And this year was no different as Sergio Garcia’s wife, Angela (nee Akins), a former college golfer at the University of Texas, hit the celebrity shot of the day on the ninth hole.
With Sergio holding the couple’s daughter Azalea — named after the 13th hole at Augusta, no less — Angela hit a shot that never left the flagstick and nearly went in.
Former collegiate golfer Angela Garcia hasn’t lost her game. #themasters pic.twitter.com/VL0fxTA22f
— Masters Tournament (@TheMasters) April 10, 2019
In the excitement of the aftermath, Angela spun and received congratulations from the significant others of Rafael Cabrera-Bello and Paul Casey while Sergio’s quest for a high five went hilariously futile.
Angela eventually made her way back to her family, but not before Sergio had begun air-fiving those around him.
As for the Par-3 Contest-proper, England’s Matt Wallace defeated Sandy Lyle in a three-hole sudden-death playoff after both men finished their first nine holes in 5-under par.
Watch the key shots from the Par 3 Contest playoff. @mattsjwallace defeats @SandyLyle1 on the third playoff hole. #themasters pic.twitter.com/7jbbuHmzkS
— Masters Tournament (@TheMasters) April 11, 2019