Star duo headline Masters Par 3 contest

The traditional Masters Par 3 contest at Augusta National is set to tee off with families, celebrities and the world's two most famous golfers

It’s normally a lighthearted affair.

Jack Nicklaus has had grandchildren as his caddies since 2009, and Rory McIlroy had his then girlfriend Caroline Wozniacki on the bag last year.

But this year could see a different sort of Par 3 Contest, as Tiger Woods makes his first appearance in years.

Traditionally, pros try to take advantage of this time to take a deep breath before the heated competition at Augusta National starts for real on Thursday.

But we get the feeling this year will be a little different.

Firstly there is Woods and his new family approach. Before he locks in for the rest of the week, his children Sam and Charlie will have the opportunity to caddy for their dad.

Woods has had some success in the event before. In 2004, when playing with Arnold Palmer and Mark O’ Meara, Woods aced the 9th hole but would go on to finish the weekend +2 and tied for 22^nd.

Then there's the little matter of the world number one and his superstar caddy. Taking over the bag for McIlroy will be One Direction member and longtime friend Niall Horan. The two men have known each other for years, through their love of the game and growing up near each other in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Related: 2015 Masters tee times.

Then there's the curse. One year Woods didn't participate in a playoff, and another he hit two balls into the water at the final hole. Speaking of Par 3 curse, Woods said: "No one's ever done the double. I don't want to prove it wrong, so I'll just have a good time."

Woods will tee off at 2:48pm local time with good friends Fred Couples and Steve Stricker.

Other headline groups include:

Bubba Watson, Webb Simpson and Rickie Fowler at 12:49pm

Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel and Trevor Immelman 1:17 pm

Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Ben Crenshaw: 3:02pm

Bradley Neil, Morgan Hoffmann and Rory McIlroy 3:09pm