Walker wins ace-filled Par-3

It was a most unusual afternoon for Wednesday’s Par-3 Contest at Augusta National Golf Club. Jimmy Walker won with a record 8-under. He becomes the latest to attempt to win the nine-hole grip-and-grin and then the Masters Tournament in the same year, a feat not previously accomplished.

Craig Stadler, the 1982 Masters champion, and Keegan Bradley tied for second at 5-under. The field was comprised of Masters competitors, past champions and honorary invitees.

The other rare moment came for the threesome of Justin Thomas, Rickie Fowler and Jordan Spieth. Thomas and Fowler hit back-to-back hole-in-ones at No. 4. And then Spieth had to hit his tee shot.

“It might been the hardest shot I ever had to hit trying to follow them,” Spieth said.

There was a Par-3 record nine aces Wednesday, including one by legend Gary Player. Most players had their wives and/or kids carrying their bags in an event that’s been around since 1960 and is popular enough to draw big galleries and a TV audience.

THE KING RETURNS

Arnold Palmer will be on the first tee for the ceremonial opening shot of the Masters. He just won’t be swinging a club.

The 86-year-old Palmer said his health wasn’t good enough to join Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player when they hit tee shots at the first hole to open the first major of the year.

With two-time Masters champion Tom Watson playing the event for the final time this year, there have been questions that he might take over the duties for Palmer.

Scott back to short putter

Adam Scott’s at peace with his putter. The 2013 Masters champion has switched back to a standard-length putter this season, as mandated by the U.S. Golf Association and Royal & Ancient Golf Club, which banned the practice of anchored putting at the beginning of the year.

It’s working well for Scott, who already has back-to-back victories in the Honda Classic and WGC-Cadillac Championship.

Forecast

Rain’s expected overnight, but it should be sunny and 62 by 10 a.m., and a crystal-clear afternoon with a high around 73.

This story was originally published April 6, 2016 at 11:50 PM with the headline "Walker wins ace-filled Par-3."