As expected, Augusta National has confirmed that the Masters Par-3 Contest will once again not be played because of social distancing protocols related to the coronavirus pandemic.
This marks the second consecutive year the traditional Masters kick-off event has been cancelled, and the third time in the past five years. Storms forced officials to call off the event in 2017. The club said in a release that it hoped the event would resume in 2022.
Augusta National’s decision comes somewhat in contrast to the PGA Tour allowing more-and-more spectators into Tour events despite the number of players testing positive to Coronavirus continuing, including three players being ruled out of this week’s Honda Classic, among them former US Open winner Gary Woodland.
As part of its health and safety guidelines for the tournament, Augusta National reiterated that everyone in attendance at this year’s Masters must wear a face covering at all times and maintain a physical distancing of at least six feet.
In January, the tournament announced that a “limited” number of patrons would be allowed on-site this year while the limited crowd in attendance must wear a face covering at all times and maintain a physical distancing of at least six feet.
The reigning champion of the Par-3 contest is Matt Wallace, who edged Sandy Lyle in a playoff back in 2019.
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