Chopstix is Opening Early for the Master's Par 3 Contest

We’re opening at 12:30 Wednesday for all you golf enthusiasts to enjoy the Masters Par 3.  Come enjoy your favorite players make a hole-in one, laughing, and play stress free.  Afternoon drink prices start at 12:30 p.m.

The 2011 Masters Tournament begins Thursday but the traditional family event called the Par 3 Contest will be played at 12:30 EDT, broadcast on ESPN.

The Masters website explains the history of the event. "First played in 1960, the Par 3 Contest has become a beloved Wednesday tradition at the Masters. The Par 3 Course was designed in 1958 by architect George Cobb and Augusta National Chairman Clifford Roberts. The Contest field includes Tournament participants, noncompeting past champions, and Honorary Invitees. The nine-hole, par-27 course measures 1,060 yards and plays over DeSoto Springs Pond and Ike's Pond."

In the history of the Contest there have been 70 holes-in-one made, a record five in 2002. No Par 3 Contest winner has won the Masters the same year as his short-course victory. There have been 18 sudden death playoffs. Art Wall (1965) and Gay Brewer (1973) share the course record of 20.

At a tournament in which most things are buttoned-up and more structured than in any other in the world of golf, the sight of the top golfers laughing and seemingly not stressing about how well they play is unusual to say the least.

Many of the men who participate - women still not invited into the field - bring their children who act as caddies for their famous fathers. Even little tykes wear the white overalls and bibs, with the golf bags taller than some of them. It is not unusual for children to take a swing for their Dads, while the participants interact with the fans who are in attendance.

At least one golfer believes it has formed a new tradition in his own family. Phil Mickelson, who odds-makers are calling the favorite this week, told CBS, the tournament's broadcast sponsor for decades about what it means to him and his wife Amy.

"It's a great way to relieve of some of the stress or pressure you feel heading into a major," Mickelson said. "Guys really have fun on the nine holes and someone like myself who has little children who caddie, we as parents look back on those pictures and those memories and sharing that time together is some of the greatest time we have had together in the game."

To add to the unusual nature of the mood on the course during the Par 3 Contest, spectators are allowed to stand close to the participants along the course, not just at the tee box like at the official tournament. It adds to the inclusiveness and to the light-hearted atmosphere. There's plenty to stress about once Thursday rolls around, but on Wednesday at the Par 3 Contest, smiles are the typical expression on most faces.

It's not for everyone mind you. Tiger Woods stopped participating in 2004 and he reportedly ditched a sudden-death playoff when he landed in a tie for the lead. The dreaded curse had to be on his mind and what we know about Tiger Woods pre-2009 auto accident was that he was gruesomely focused on domination. Woods is not expected to participate in this year's field. One wonders if at some point, Tiger will show up with his kids in tow and start his own new tradition.

For now, fans will have to be satisfied with the field they have.

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons, ninth hole at Augusta National Par 3 course