Rickie Fowler won the Masters Par 3 Contest on Wednesday by two clear strokes. The American shot an impressive 5-under round to win the crystal rose bowl trophy.
But in doing so, Fowler risked taking on the Par 3 curse - a well known myth around Augusta that is taken seriously by many. That is, no winner of the Par 3 Contest has ever gone on to win the main tournament.
Just how superstitious are golfers? Look at Gary Woodland. The 2019 US Open winner has played in eight Par 3 contests and not once handed in his card after the round.
In fact, on Wednesday, Woodland - who also recorded a hole-in-one - was tied with Fowler on 5-under at one point. But when he reached the ninth green he let his son Jax take the putt - forfeiting his round.
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While family and loved ones are more than welcome to join golfers around the par 3 course, if any of them take a shot at any point then the pro's round is void. Jordan Spieth and Scottie Scheffler were two golfers to break this rule.
Woodland argued that his six-year-old son had been so excited to take the stroke he couldn't let him down. Although, he probably didn't mind too much given his form for avoiding handing in the scorecards.
"It was exciting. He's thought about it all day," he said. “He's known that was going to be his shot. He told me to hit it a lot closer than that so I was apologizing I didn't hit it closer for him. That was so cool. Just so see his reaction, that was very special."
For Fowler, though, it's a good start to the week. Superstitions or not, Fowler needed the boost. Of the nine events he has played in 2024, Fowler has failed to make the cut in three with his highest finish a tied-35th in The Genesis Invitational.
Rickie Fowler, wife Allison Stokke, and their daughter Maya"Great way to start," he said. "I guess not start of the week; been working at it the last few days. But the par-3 contest is something special. You know, tradition of the Masters and being able to go out there, and now being able to spend with it my family.
"Been around plenty of the little kids over the years but a little different when we have our own out there. So special way for us first time having my daughter with my wife and I, and something we'll always have."
Fowler is making his first Masters appearance since 2020 after rediscovering his form - and he couldn't be happier. "Yeah, it's been kind of long time coming to get back to here," he said. "Special place. One of my favorites. I'm looking forward to getting started tomorrow.
"But definitely nice way to enjoy a Wednesday with the family, have some fun, and we'll go rest up and go play. Hopefully the storm passes through and we'll get thing going tomorrow."
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