Golf

Watson wins Par 3 Contest aged 68

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Tom Watson

Tom Watson helped Tommy Fleetwood to avoid the Par 3 curse when he won on Wednesday.

No player has ever won the Par 3 Contest and The Masters in the same year and for a long time on Wednesday it appeared Fleetwood would be next in line.

A tradition as old as the Green Jacket, ceremonious first tee shots and skipping balls along the 16th ― the curse of the Par 3 Contest is something no player wants to have riding on their backs during the main event.

Fleetwood has legend Tom Watson to thank after the latter stormed the course to beat the in-form Englishman. Many viewers around the world were set to tear up their betting stubs before Watson, playing the legends group with Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus, grabbed the lead late on.

  • The legends trio played the nine-hole course in -12

Only 22 players completed the contest without the aid of their caddies in a day filled with laughs, action and drama.

South Africa’s Dylan Frittelli, on debut this week, got his tournament off to a good start with the day’s first ace.

And many more followed, including one from Jack Nicklaus’ grandson and Tony Finau.

For Nicklaus, it was a proud moment.

For Finau, he put his participation in jeopardy after dislocating his ankle celebrating his hole in one. [Click HERE to see his accident and an update on his condition]

Fleetwood, and his fans, will no doubt seek out Watson, who won here in 1977 and 1981, for thanks after he took the honours at the age of 68.