Photo by Lo Sarno on Unsplash Statistical analysis of amateur golf performance consistently reveals a counterintuitive finding: distance control errors on approach shots cost recreational golfers more strokes than directional errors, even though most golfers practice and worry about direction far more. The Statistical Pattern Shot-tracking data from systems used across recreational and competitive golf shows that amateur golfers are typically far more likely to miss an approach shot short or long of their intended distance than they are to miss significantly left or right of their intended line. A shot that's 15 yards short or long frequently finds trouble — a bunker, water, or simply a much longer subsequent putt — in a way that a shot 10 yards left or right of the pin, but still on the green, does not. Why This Happens Directional misses are usually caused by face-to-path errors, covered in our ball flight laws article , which tend to be relatively consistent for an individual g...
It's Wednesday at Augusta National — the final day before competitive golf begins. Today features the beloved Par 3 Contest, live practice round coverage, and the last chance to watch players prepare before the green jacket hunt officially begins tomorrow. Here's everything live today, Wednesday April 8, and how to watch every stream.
Wednesday April 8 Full Schedule (All Times ET)
9–11 AM: Masters On the Range — Masters.com, Masters App, Paramount+
9–9:45 AM: Mornings at the Masters — Masters YouTube (free)
10 AM–12 PM: Practice Round Coverage — ESPN App
12–4 PM: Par 3 Contest Live Stream — ESPN App, Masters.com, Masters App
1–2 PM: Welcome to the Masters — ESPN
2–4 PM: Par 3 Contest Broadcast — ESPN (television)
4–5 PM: SportsCenter at the Masters Preview — ESPN
6–9 PM: Live From the Masters — Golf Channel
10 PM–12 AM: Par 3 Contest Encore — ESPN2
How to Watch the Par 3 Contest Live Today
The Par 3 Contest is one of golf's most charming annual traditions and today is the day. From 12–4 PM ET the contest streams free on the ESPN App and on Masters.com and the Masters App (both free with a free account). The television broadcast on ESPN begins at 2 PM ET.
To watch on the ESPN App: download the app on your phone, tablet, or smart TV, then sign in with your streaming service or TV provider login. YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV Blue, FuboTV, and DirecTV Stream all include ESPN and the ESPN App.
What Is the Par 3 Contest?
The Par 3 Contest is played on Augusta National's separate 9-hole par 3 course. Players compete with unconventional caddies — many bring their children, spouses, or parents to carry the bag. The result is one of the most human and lighthearted events in professional golf: world-class players relaxed and laughing, toddlers toddling across Augusta's immaculate turf, the occasional hole-in-one celebration with genuine joy rather than competitive intensity.
There's also the famous Par 3 Contest curse: no player who wins the Par 3 Contest has ever gone on to win the Masters in the same year. The streak has lasted decades, leading some players to deliberately bogey the final holes if they find themselves in contention for the Par 3 title. Watch for this dynamic today.
Free Masters Streams Available Today
Masters.com: On the Range (9–11 AM) and Par 3 Contest stream (12–4 PM). Free with a free account at Masters.com
Masters App: Same content as Masters.com on mobile. Free download, free account
Masters YouTube: Mornings at the Masters (9–9:45 AM) and daily highlights. Completely free, no account needed
ESPN App: Practice round (10 AM–12 PM) and Par 3 Contest (12–4 PM). Requires a streaming service login
What to Watch for in Today's Practice Round
Wednesday's practice round is the last competitive preparation before the tournament begins. Players are finalizing pin-position strategies, confirming yardages, and making final equipment decisions. Watch the Amen Corner area particularly closely — holes 11, 12, and 13 are where every player spends extra time on Wednesday, working through their approach strategies for what will be the most pressure-loaded stretch of the tournament.
Tomorrow: The 2026 Masters Begins
Thursday, April 9 is Round 1. The Honorary Starters ceremony kicks off Masters week at approximately 7:30 AM ET on Masters.com and the Masters App for free. Amazon Prime Video carries early coverage from 1–3 PM ET. ESPN's main broadcast runs 3–7:30 PM ET. Featured Groups and Amen Corner streams run all day free on Masters.com. Set your alarm — Augusta in April on a Thursday morning is one of sport's great experiences even through a screen.
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