AUGUSTA, Ga. — Aaron Rai picked up a win at Augusta National on Wednesday.
History suggests it may not be the one he wants.
The English golfer captured the 2026 Masters Par 3 Contest with a six-under-par performance, finishing one shot ahead of Jacob Bridgeman and John Keefer just hours before the tournament begins.
But the victory comes with one of the Masters’ most well-known quirks: no Par 3 Contest winner has ever gone on to win the green jacket in the same year.
Rai Tops Leaderboard Ahead of Opening Round
Rai delivered a steady round on Augusta National’s short course, separating himself late to secure the win in one of golf’s most relaxed — and unpredictable — traditions.
Northern Ireland’s Tom McKibbin finished fourth, rounding out a tightly packed leaderboard.
Several players also recorded holes-in-one during the event, continuing a staple of the Par 3 Contest’s annual highlight reel.
The Par 3 Contest’s Strange Place in Masters History
The Par 3 Contest is unlike anything else at Augusta National.
Held on the eve of the Masters, it blends competition with celebration — with players often joined by family members, children, and even celebrity caddies.
This year, Bryson DeChambeau drew attention by teaming up with comedian Kevin Hart, while former NFL star Jason Kelce also made an appearance during the round.
But for all its charm, the contest carries a reputation players know well.
No winner has ever followed a Par 3 victory with a Masters title.
Can Rai Break One of Golf’s Longest-Standing Trends?
That unusual streak now follows Rai into Thursday’s opening round.
While the Par 3 Contest is largely ceremonial, its history has created one of the sport’s most persistent storylines — one that resurfaces every year.
Rai now becomes the latest player with a chance to change it.
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