Masters Par-3 Contest Live: Play Suspended Due To Threat Of Lightning

Welcome to the live blog

We have Matt Cradock covering the event from the UK and also Elliott Heath and Sam Tremlett who are lucky enough to be at Augusta.

Elliott Heath here live from the Augusta National Press Building. Not entirely sure what's going on right now although it appears everyone is being taken off the course - players and patrons. Doesn't look like we're going to have a Par-3 Contest today if I was a betting man. No official word from Augusta yet.

For those wondering about The Masters weather forecast, here's how it's looking for this afternoon:

GOOD NEWS?

Golf Channel in the US are saying that the Par-3 Contest is still going ahead as things stand.

STILL NO WORD

Yet to hear any official word on the Par-3 Contest. Here's what chairman Ridley said around an hour ago just as the horns were going off:

"With more Patrons in attendance, we will be able to resume traditions that were missed during the past two tournaments.  Today the Par 3 Contest returns to the schedule.  We appreciate the overwhelming support of this event, which showcases some of golf's greatest attributes:  friendship, fellowship and fun."

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW THE MASTERS?

PLAYERS COMING BACK OUT

We've just spotted players and caddies walking back out on the driving range from the Press Building. This is great news...although the forecast is still looking dodgy. 

PAR-3 CONTEST IS ON...WE THINK

"Should be starting almost anytime," an Augusta staff member tells me. The patrons are back on-site, the golfers are back on the range and we should have ourselves a Masters Par-3 Contest for the first time since 2019.

IT'S ON!

The 2022 Masters Par-3 Contest begins at 1pm local/6pm BST

WE'RE UNDERWAY

Immelman, Schwartzel and Oosthuizen, and lots of children, play us away! Follow our blog as the contest continues...

Lee Westwood is excited to get the Par-3 contest underway and so are we! Here to take you through the early stages of the action is me, Matt Cradock

FIRST HOLE-IN-ONE SCARE!

20 minutes in and we already have our first hole-in-one scare from Max Homa! The 31-year-old clatters the pin at the first as it just fails to drop for an ace!

It's the former Masters champions who are leading the Par-3 Contest right now, with 1998 winner, Mark O'Meara and 2003 champion, Mike Weir, currently leading at -2 through four holes.

Jon Rahm and his son, Kepa, are soaking in the atmosphere at the Par-3 contest

Some huge names are set to tee it up in the Par 3 contest this evening! Which group are you most looking forward to watching?

OUTRAGEOUS FROM LOUIS!

WOW! Take a bow Louis Oosthuizen! He finishes his round at -1.

2003 Masters champion, Mike Weir, has just finished his round and currently holds the lead at -4. 

Whilst we wait for the coverage, Mackenzie Hughes is -3 through his first three holes, with Talor Gooch in the clubhouse at -2. 

The American had a slightly embarrassing moment on Saturday afternoon at Augusta National when, whilst putting on the practice green, he was informed by the co-head pro J.J. Weaver, that he wasn't allowed to wear shorts...  

Great to see the 2017 Masters champion enjoying the Par 3 contest with his family. Sergio actually named his daughter, Azalea, after the 13th hole at Augusta National

You have to respect the pace of play from Frankie Fleetwood!

Mackenzie Hughes is still going along nicely at -3. He sits one shot back of his fellow countryman and current leader, Mike Weir.

HUGHES JOINS WEIR!

Mackenzie Hughes joins Weir at the top of the leaderboard! The 31-year-old will need to birdie one of his last two holes to take the outright lead.

63-year-old Larry Mize is rolling back the years! The 1987 Masters winner is just one shot back at the Par 3 contest.

THE LEGENDS TEE OFF

The group of Gary Player, Tom Watson and Raymond Floyd are off at the Par 3 Contest! The group has six Green Jackets between them and Player has very nearly aced the 1st.

HUGHES TIES THE LEAD

Two pars to finish means Mackenzie Hughes ties the 2003 Masters champion, Mike Weir, at the top of the leaderboard. 

JASON KOKRAK MAKES AN ACE

The first hole-in-one of the event falls to Jason Kokrak at the 4th hole! From 125-yards, the American spins it in for the ace!

Superb control from Kokrak!

FROM THE SUBLIME TO THE RIDICULOUS!

After firing his tee shot into the patrons, Sam Burns' ball was caught by one individual and thrown back on to the green. Thing is it very nearly found the bottom of the hole! 

NA JOINS THE LEADERS!

Kevin Na has been walking in putts all day and he now joins the duo of Mackenzie Hughes and Mike Weir at the top of the leaderboard!

SIREN SOUNDING - PLAY SUSPENDED!

Play at Augusta National has been suspended due to the threat of lightning!

THREE-WAY TIE AT THE TOP

With play suspended it is Mike Weir, Mackenzie Hughes and Kevin Na who lead the Par-3 competition. Looking at the afternoon weather, things don't look promising, with a 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms as the afternoon progresses, as well as a 70% chance of thunderstorms into Wednesday night. Check out what the weather for the rest of the week looks like here.

NEAR ACE FOR PLAYER

Just before play was suspended, three-time Green Jacket winner, Gary Player, very nearly jarred it for a hole-in-one!

With play suspended it is time for me to sign off and leave you in the capable hands of Elliott Heath and Sam Tremlett. Let's hope play can get underway again this afternoon before a thrilling main event begins tomorrow. I've been Matt Cradock and I hope you all have a great evening.

THUNDER

Some very loud noises here at Augusta National in what is yet another sad afternoon with no patrons or golfers out on either the main or Par-3 courses.

Reminder of tomorrow's Masters first round tee times - where play begins at 8am.

JOIN OUR FANTASY LEAGUE

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WEATHER UPDATE

The heavens have well and truly opened here at Augusta National - no chance we'll see any more play today you'd have to think. The course will certainly be even softer now after an entire afternoon of rain yesterday, too.

SIGNING OFF EARLY

Well that's it folks I'm afraid. The grounds are closed for the remainder of the day so we won't be seeing the conclusion to the Par-3 Contest. Hughes and Weir were tied at the top at four-under-par.

I've never been a fan of the Par-3 Contest but I have to say being there for the first time today was an incredible experience and I am now well and truly team Par-3! The course is also exceptional and in just as good condition as the main course - and it's really hilly too. 

The Masters tee times begin at 8am local/1pm GMT tomorrow so enjoy your evenings and get ready for a fantastic weekend in front of the telly.

We'll be live blogging from 6am local/11am GMT on Thursday all the way up until Sunday evening when the final putt drops.