Masters Par 3 Contest suspended due to severe weather
Rain seems to be the story of the week so far at Augusta National. Less than 24 hours after storms downed trees and damaged the grandstand on the 16th hole, the weather returned to the course on Wednesday afternoon to wash out the Par 3 Contest.
The iconic pairing of Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player on managed to get in two holes before the rains came. Jonathan Byrde and Padraig Harrington were the leaders in the clubhouse at 5-under when the tournament was called; they were named co-winners of the contest.
While golf fans watching the ESPN's coverage on television only got a couple minutes of live coverage, those attending the tournament in person had an opportunity to see some special moments throughout the contest, including a couple of holes-in-one from Mark Wilson (fourth hole) and Thomas Bjorn (ninth hole).
Of course, the big question now is whether Byrd or Harrington (now a three-time winner of the Par 3 Contest) can actually break the Masters curse and win the tournament. As most already know, the winner of the Par 3 has never gone on to win the 72-hole tournament.
Even if neither player comes close to winning the green jacket this week, at least they'll head home with some crystal for winning the Par 3 Contest.
