Watch Gary Woodland sinks hole-in-one during Masters Par 3 contest

Gary Woodland appears to be in top form ahead of the 2024 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club, following an impressive performance in the annual Masters Par 3 Contest less than 24 hours before the four-day event begins. Woodland, participating in the Par 3 Contest, achieved his first-ever hole-in-one, indicating a strong start to his campaign.

Gary Woodland's first career hole-in-one at the Par 3 Contest. #themasters pic.twitter.com/gGbJTHb8PK

— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 10, 2024

The Masters Par 3 Contest, inaugurated in 1960, comprises a nine-hole exhibition where players strive for the most favorable score against par. Despite its prestige, no winner of the Par 3 Contest has gone on to win the tournament in the same year. Noteworthy records include Jimmy Walker’s remarkable 8-under par in 2016, while Padraig Harrington holds the record for most victories in the event, having won it three times.

Woodland, set to make his 12th Masters start, is aiming to build on his career-best T14 finish from the previous year’s tournament, which saw Jon Rahm emerge as the champion. The 2019 U.S. Open winner’s journey to this year’s Masters has been marked by a significant setback, as he underwent surgery in September to remove a brain lesion. Remarkably, Woodland made a swift return to competition just four months later at the Sony Open in Hawaii.

Reflecting on his ordeal, Woodland expressed determination not to let it hinder his career progression. “This came out of nowhere for me, but I’m not going to let it stop me,” he stated in January, emphasizing his resolve to bounce back stronger. Despite being considered an underdog with odds of +19000, Woodland remains resolute in his focus on regaining his peak performance level.

“I plan on being competitive very quickly,” Woodland asserted at the Sony Open, highlighting his physical readiness and eagerness to return to top-tier golf. With unwavering determination, Woodland aims to overcome his recent challenges and reestablish himself among the elite contenders in the sport.