AUGUSTA, Ga. — Sammy Spieth, age 3, hit a greater tee shot by his requirements than taking part in companions Justin Thomas and Max Homa did by theirs on the second gap of the Par 3 Contest on the Masters. He teed up a driver, gripped it cross-handed and despatched his ball about 30 yards down the center, whereas Thomas and Homa hit their wedges brief and proper right into a bunker.
Sammy’s dad, 2015 Masters champion Jordan Spieth, did not hassle to tee off. He had sufficient to handle with a group of caddies — all carrying white Augusta Nationwide coveralls — that included Sammy, 1-year-old daughter, Sophie, and spouse, Annie, who’s anticipating a 3rd little one in July.
The report e-book will present that Masters rookie Nico Echavarria gained the occasion Wednesday, beating J.J. Spaun with a birdie on the second playoff gap after every shot 5-under 22. Whereas the Masters is arguably the simplest main to win due to its small area that features getting old previous champions, the Par 3 is far simpler, as a result of most gamers do not even compete.
Gary Player actually does. The oldest residing Masters champion at age 89, he made three straight birdies — flirting with aces on Nos. 6 and seven — to get his identify onto the leaderboard, though he in the end did not publish an official rating.
The identical was true of 70 gamers within the area of 90. That development in all probability will proceed so long as the winner on Augusta Nationwide’s tranquil, 1,090-yard par-3 course fails to win the inexperienced jacket. The competition started in 1960 and nobody has gained it and the Masters in the identical yr.
“I’ve by no means actually been, like, purchase into the jinx an excessive amount of, however I additionally do not suppose I’ve ever turned in a card,” Thomas stated.
Rory McIlroy was joined by spouse, Erica and 4-year-old daughter, Poppy, who holed a birdie putt on the ninth gap when she nudged the ball together with her dad’s putter and it almost stopped earlier than it caught a slope and bumped into the outlet.
Treasured Poppy 🥰
@McIlroyRory‘s daughter brings the gang to their toes after this putt on No. 9.pic.twitter.com/vYbhw0JDh0— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 9, 2025
McIlroy, who would full the profession Grand Slam with a victory Sunday, appreciated the prospect to concentrate on his daughter, who interrupted his on-course interview with ESPN.
“The buildup to this occasion is rather a lot, and the kind of anticipation and we’re ready eight or 9 months for the following main to roll round from the Open Championship,” McIlroy stated. “To finish your preparation with a day like this … it is such a enjoyable afternoon.”
Earlier, when the Bradley household made its method down the primary gap, 7-year-old Logan confirmed a formidable grasp of Masters patron etiquette when he yelled at his youthful brother, “You possibly can’t run!”
Byeong Hun An‘s 5-year-old son, Solar-woo, bought a cheer worthy of an ace when he bombed a drive about midway to the inexperienced on the 130-yard first gap. Solar-woo then took out an iron and after a few whiffs — er, follow swings — he hit a worm-burner that scooted right into a greenside bunker.
Scottie Scheffler holed a 3-footer for birdie on the primary gap, a feat extra spectacular as a result of he did it one-handed whereas holding his 11-month-old son, Bennett.
Tom Hoge gave been-there, done-that high-fives to the gamers and caddies in his group when he aced the 90-yard fourth with a shot that spun again and slammed into the flagstick. Brooks Koepka used the slope behind the outlet on the sixth for the final hole-in-one of the day and one hundred and fifteenth within the contest’s historical past.
“For those who’re not prepared by now, then you do not actually have an opportunity. This week takes numerous vitality,” McIlroy stated. “It is a powerful stroll, it is hilly, and the psychological vitality you are expending as properly. Get this finished, after which simply go dwelling, have dinner, loosen up and prepare for tomorrow.”
