US Masters 2026: Bradley record and the curse of the Par 3 contest

As the golfing world eagerly awaits the first tee-off of the main tournament, yesterday's Wednesday at the US Masters 2026 provided the usual emotional and spectacular start. Between Keegan Bradley's historic records and young Frankie Fleetwood's touching attempts, it became clear why this family afternoon at Augusta National remains a "Traditions like no other".

The US Masters 2026 starts in the "sanctuary within the sanctuary"

Before the famous Green Jacket is at stake on Thursday, Augusta National's short course was transformed into a stage for families and legends yesterday. The Par 3 course, a 1,000-yard gem that was only renovated in 2023, provided the perfect backdrop. Wearing the iconic white caddie overalls, this time it wasn't the professional loopers but wives, children and friends who carried the bags and created a relaxed atmosphere.

The event has deep roots: the contest has been part of the US Masters 2026 program since 1960. "The Masters is a great tournament, but the Par 3 Contest is my favourite," enthused eight-year-old Frankie Fleetwood on the sidelines of the Fairways.

Find the US Masters 2026 leaderboard and live scoring here.

Four aces and a historic record from Keegan Bradley

In sporting terms, the day delivered highlights non-stop. A total of four hole-in-ones took the historic record for the competition to 119 aces. Justin Thomas kicked things off on hole 2, which, according to insider reports, earned him a 1,000-dollar bet against his playing partners Jordan Spieth and Max Homa. Local hero Tommy Fleetwood also holed out directly on the fourth hole - a shot that he himself commented on dryly: "I hadn't hit a green yet, I was the last person you would have expected to hit an ace. I just chipped it in."

The biggest sensation, however, was Keegan Bradley. He made history at the 2026 US Masters by becoming the first player ever to score an ace at the Par 3 Contest in two consecutive years. After his success on hole 6 in 2025, this time he scored on the eighth hole with just one stroke of luck.

Here you can find the US Masters 2026 Tee Times.

The winner and the persistent "Par 3 curse"

Aaron Rai secured the official victory this year with an impressive score of 6 under Par (21 strokes). But while Rai accepted the trophy, the knowledge of the infamous "Par 3 Curse" resonated in the background: Never before has a winner of Wednesday also won the 2026 US Masters in the same year.

To avoid this fate, some professionals resorted to tried and tested methods: They had their children or partners make the final putts. As this leads to disqualification, the slate remains clean for the main tournament. Rai, on the other hand, accepts the challenge. When asked about the omen, he replied with a grin: "I'm not sure if that's a good omen."

From 0 to 90: The stars of the hearts at the US Masters 2026

The real headlines, however, were made by the youngest and the oldest. Gary Players, a living legend at 90, showed a level of fitness that belied his age. He played a strong 1-over Par round and provided the moment of the day when he picked up a young fan from under the barriers, lifted him up and promised: "When I'm old, we'll play together."

At the other end of the age spectrum, Frankie Fleetwood was in the spotlight. In a continuation of his viral story from the previous year, he once again attempted to cross the water at hole 9 (Ike's Pond). Although his ball landed just in the water, the fans celebrated him with chants of "Fran-kie!". He was consoled on the spot by Iris Lowry, Shane Lowry's nine-year-old daughter, who accompanied him off the Tee with a warm hug.

The calm before the sporting storm

Yesterday proved once again that the 2026 US Masters is more than just an elite sporting event. It is a celebration of generations. However, with the end of the Par 3 contest, the focus now returns to the championship course. From today, things get serious in Augusta - and the golfing world will see whether Aaron Rai can break the curse or whether the laws of the Masters remain in place.