Sam Snead, Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson, Ben Crenshaw, Vijay Singh: all of them have won at Augusta National, all of them have defied the odds and outplayed the competition on Augusta’s famed 1,060 yard layout…That’s right, 1,060 yards! Oh, you thought we were talking about the other course at Augusta. No, no, no. Wednesday at the Masters is all about the Par 3 Contest.

Every year since 1960, patrons have enjoyed the spectacle that takes place over and around DeSoto Springs Pond and Ike’s Pond at Augusta National. Tournament participants, non-competing past champions and honorary invitees are invited to participate in the event that takes place at Augusta’s own par 3 course. The course, which does in fact measure only 1,060 yards, was constructed in 1958 by architect George Cobb and Augusta National co-founder Clifford Roberts. And while par is only 27, each year a golfer finds a way to post birdie after birdie in their pursuit of the championship.

Past winners Art Wall (1965) and Gay Brewer (1973) hold the course record in the Par 3 Contest at a staggering seven under-par 20. Last year’s champion was PGA Tour regular Ben Crane, who posted a masterful 23 en route to victory.

Of special interest to us here at US Hole In One, there have reportedly been a total of 61 aces made during the event’s 47-year history, including a record 5 holes in one made in 2002 alone.

To all of those participating in tomorrow’s event, we wish you the best of luck. However, it should be noted that never has the winner of the Par 3 Contest gone on to capture the coveted green jacket four days later on Sunday…birdies beware!

Source: The Official Site of the Masters Tournament