Thu Apr 09 17:10:00 UTC 2026: ### Par 3 Curse Strikes Again? Rai Wins Masters Par 3 Contest Amidst Strategic Withdrawals

The Story:
The annual Masters Par 3 Contest at Augusta National saw Aaron Rai emerge victorious with a score of -6, carding a 21 for the 9-hole round. However, the win comes with the shadow of the “Par 3 Curse,” as no player who has won the contest has ever gone on to win the Masters Tournament in the same year. Several top players, including Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Jon Rahm, opted not to post a score, seemingly avoiding the jinx. Justin Thomas, after a hot start with a hole-in-one, withdrew from the contest.

Key Points:

  • Aaron Rai won the 2026 Masters Par 3 Contest with a score of -6.
  • Justin Thomas had a hole-in-one on the second hole but withdrew later.
  • Many top players, including Scheffler, McIlroy, and Rahm, did not post a score.
  • There were a total of four hole-in-ones during the contest, including one by Tommy Fleetwood and two by Keegan Bradley.
  • The “Par 3 Curse” remains a prominent narrative, with no Par 3 winner ever winning the Masters in the same year.

Key Takeaways:

  • The “Par 3 Curse” continues to be a relevant superstition among players, influencing their participation and performance in the contest.
  • Top players are seemingly prioritizing the Masters Tournament over the Par 3 Contest, with some strategically withdrawing or not posting scores.
  • Aaron Rai‘s win sets the stage to see if he can break the “Par 3 Curse” this year.
  • The Par 3 contest continues to be a fan-favorite event, highlighted by multiple aces and moments of levity.
  • Scottie Scheffler’s recent time away from golf, due to the birth of his second child, may impact his performance at the Masters.

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