A heartwarming family moment overshadowed competitive play at the Masters Par-3 Contest on Thursday when Rory McIlroy's four-year-old daughter, Poppy, sank a remarkable putt on the ninth hole. The crowd erupted in cheers as the toddler demonstrated unexpected precision, her effortless shot rolling gracefully into the cup during the lighthearted pre-tournament event.
While Poppy's feat delighted spectators, Colombia's Nicolas Echavarria clinched victory in the traditional opener after defeating USA's J.J. Spaun in a playoff, both finishing at five-under par. The contest also saw impressive displays of skill from Americans Keegan Bradley, Tom Hogey, and Brooks Koepka, who all recorded hole-in-ones.
The Par-3 Contest continues to blend family camaraderie with elite sport, offering players a relaxed moment before the intensity of the Masters main tournament begins.
