Colombian golfer Nicolás Echavarría clinched victory in the 2025 Masters Par-3 Contest at Augusta National Golf Club, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career. The event, renowned for its relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere, serves as a prelude to the prestigious Masters Tournament.
A Playoff Triumph
Echavarría and American golfer J.J. Spaun both concluded the nine-hole contest with impressive scores of five-under-par 22, necessitating a playoff to determine the winner. Demonstrating composure under pressure, Echavarría secured the title with a birdie on the second playoff hole. Reflecting on his achievement, the 30-year-old expressed optimism about defying the longstanding “Masters curse,” noting, “Hopefully we change the tradition of never winning the Par-3 Masters Contest and the tournament itself. We’ll see about that. But having a blast out here.”
The “Masters Curse”
The so-called “Masters curse” refers to the historical trend where no golfer has won both the Par-3 Contest and the Masters Tournament in the same year since the contest’s inception in 1960. While legends like Ben Crenshaw and Vijay Singh have secured victories in both events, they did not achieve this feat concurrently. This pattern adds an intriguing layer of anticipation as Echavarría prepares for his inaugural Masters appearance.
Memorable Moments and Family Participation
The 2025 Par-3 Contest was highlighted by remarkable performances, including holes-in-one from Keegan Bradley, Tom Hoge, and Brooks Koepka. Bradley’s ace was particularly poignant, witnessed by his young son, Logan, who remarked, “That was so nice.” Additionally, Rory McIlroy’s daughter, Poppy, delighted spectators by sinking a putt, underscoring the event’s familial charm. McIlroy appreciated the relaxed nature of the contest, stating, “Masters week seems to get bigger and bigger for me every year and to do something like this, it makes me forget about that for … .”
Echavarría’s Ascending Career
Echavarría’s triumph at the Par-3 Contest adds to his growing list of accomplishments. In October 2024, he secured his second PGA Tour title at the Zozo Championship in Japan, finishing with a 20-under 260. Reflecting on that victory, Echavarría remarked, “It’s surreal, this moment is very special.” Earlier, in March 2023, he claimed his maiden PGA Tour win at the Puerto Rico Open, demonstrating resilience and skill throughout the tournament.
As Nicolás Echavarría prepares to compete in his first Masters Tournament, his recent successes position him as a golfer to watch. While the “Masters curse” looms as a historical footnote, Echavarría’s performance in the Par-3 Contest and his trajectory on the PGA Tour suggest he may be poised to challenge longstanding traditions and make a significant impact at Augusta National.
