[Golf Topic] Masters 'Par 3 Contest Canceled'... 1-2R In-Out Start

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] ○…The Masters' event, the Par 3 Contest, will not be held this year.

Augusta National announced on the 28th (Korean time), "The Par 3 Contest has been canceled," adding, "Although it is an important event where players spend time with acquaintances and family, considering this year's tournament will be held without spectators, we have decided to postpone it until next time." This is the second time since 2017 that the event has not been held due to weather. Since 1960, it has been an event held the day before the Masters, where players compete on nine par-3 holes to determine rankings. It is also famous for the superstition that "no player who has won the Par 3 Contest has ever won the Masters."

This year's Masters was postponed from April to November 12 due to the global spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). To prevent COVID-19 infections, gallery admission to the tournament venue is not allowed. Players started their rounds in groups of three from the 1st hole in order, but because the sun rises later and sets earlier in November than in April, the format for the 1st and 2nd rounds was also changed. Players are divided into morning and afternoon groups and start simultaneously from the 1st and 10th holes.