Matt Wallace wins Masters Par 3 Contest, denies Sandy Lyle of historic third win

It's a tradition unlike any other, at the tradition unlike any other.

The annual Masters Par 3 contest held on the eve of the opening round of golf's first major took place on Wednesday afternoon and ended in a playoff between Sandy Lyle and Matt Wallace. It took three sudden-death holes before Wallace prevailed with a birdie on the pairings second attempt at No. 8.

Lyle, winner of the 1988 Masters, was attempting to tie Padraig Harrington for the most all-time par 3 wins at three. He previously won in consecutive years from 1997-98.

There were four holes-in-one on Thursday thanks to picture-perfect tee shots from 1998 Masters Champion Mark O'Meara, Shane Lowry, Bling and Wallace. Wallace's ace was the 100th all-time at the event. Gary Player holds the record with four career aces in the par 3 contest.

First time’s a charm for Englishman @mattsjwallace. pic.twitter.com/2vIA9k2FuT

After dislocating his ankle celebrating an ace last year, Tony Finau had some fun at his own expense, changing shoes at the scene of his fall on Wednesday.

.@TonyFinaugolf came prepared for the Par 3 Contest this year. pic.twitter.com/vEXwv9opeZ

Bubba Watson, Martin Kaymer and 19-year-old U.S. Amateur runner-up Devon Bling all finished T-3 at 4-under.

Defending champion Tom Watson, playing alongside Player and Jack Nicklaus, finished T-9 at 2-under par.

Source: Read Full Article