The Masters: Dakota Watson, Bubba Watson's Young Star, Shines Bright at Par 3 Contest
Witness the remarkable talent of Dakota Watson, the youngest sensation to captivate Augusta National during The Masters. Bubba Watson's daughter steals the spotlight, captivating the hearts of the crowd with her golf prowess.
Many young golfers have impressed spectators at Augusta National during The Masters' 88-year history, but Dakota Watson stands out as one of the youngest talents to do so.
During the par three contest before the major tournament on Wednesday, nine-year-old Dakota Watson, daughter of Bubba Watson, wowed the crowd with her exceptional putting skills. Her ability to sink putts with precision resembled the talent that has earned her father two green jackets.
The traditional nine-hole competition at the fabled venue turned into a family affair, with wives, partners, children, and grandchildren all dressed in the iconic white jumpsuits worn by tournament caddies, taking up the bag for golfers.
Rickie Fowler, along with his wife Allison Stokke and their three-year-old daughter Maya, secured a two-shot victory for his first triumph. However, the spotlight was stolen by the young Watson, who amazed hundreds of spectators by sinking three incredible long-range putts in a row.
Two perfectly executed downhill shots were followed by an impressive winding shot that even her father, a 12-time PGA Tour winner, would have been proud to make. 
Team Watson stole the show during the competition.
Charlie Riedel/AP
From stepping back to watch the ball roll into the hole to raising her hands in celebration as the crowd cheered around her, the nine-year-old displayed skills beyond her years. Many even compared her to the legendary golfer Ben Crenshaw, who is known for his exceptional putting abilities.
During the live coverage of the event on ESPN, broadcaster Sean McDonough questioned co-commentator Curtis Strange about his previous statement regarding Ben Crenshaw being the best putter. He suggested that after witnessing the young golfer Dakota's performance, Curtis might have changed his mind.
AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 09: Tiger Woods of the United States plays his shot from the ninth tee during a practice round prior to the 2024 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 09, 2024 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
On April 9, 2024, at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, Tiger Woods from the United States was seen playing his shot from the ninth tee during a practice round for the upcoming 2024 Masters Tournament. This photo captures Woods in action as he prepares for the prestigious tournament.
Andrew Redington / Getty Images
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It was fitting that "Gentle Ben" was paired with the Watson group for the contest. This gave the 72-year-old, joined by his grandson, a front-row seat to the putting perfection he was known for.
"It's like a dream come true. As they grow older, they're able to hit shots now, so we can really enjoy playing together," shared Watson, who is 45 years old and participating in his 16th Masters, with reporters.
"I feel so honored to be out there with a legend like Ben Crenshaw, who agreed to team up with me. And just being here, seeing all the families and the joy on parents' faces - even though the kids are the golfers, it's the parents who are having the most fun.
“Even the parents behind the ropes and parents inside the ropes are having the most fun of anybody.”
Walter Harman, son of defending Open champion Brian Harman, high fives crowds during the contest.
Walter Harman, son of defending Open champion Brian Harman, high fives crowds during the contest.
Mike Blake/Reuters
Beware the par-three victory?
Fowler will be hoping he can break the mythical curse of winning the par-three competition.
Since the contest was started by Sam Snead 64 years ago, no winner has ever gone on to win the green jacket on Sunday at the competition.
At 35 years old, crowd favorite Fowler is still in pursuit of his first major title. Despite coming close several times, including narrowly missing out to American Patrick Reed at Augusta National in 2019, he has yet to secure the victory.
Fowler expressed, "Great way to start."
He added, "The par-3 contest is something special. I've been around plenty of little kids over the years, but it's a little different when we have our own out there. It's a special way for us, first time having my daughter with my wife and I, and something we'll always cherish."
Fowler relished the family feel of the competiton.
Fowler relished the family feel of the competiton.
Fowler secured his first victory in his ninth appearance at the contest. However, he had only turned in an official scorecard in two previous appearances. It is common for players like Watson to have family members hit shots for them, which results in not posting an official score.
Five players, including Sepp Straka, Viktor Hovland, Luke List, Lucas Glover, and Gary Woodland, scored hole-in-ones during the competition. Gary Woodland, who had surgery last year to remove a brain lesion, happily watched as his six-year-old son Jax made his final putt.
Jax Woodland is congratulated on his putt.
Jax Woodland is congratulated on his putt.
Warren Little/Getty Images
"He thought about it all day," Woodland said. "He knew that was going to be his shot. He told me to hit it a lot closer than that, so I was apologizing I didn’t hit it closer for him.
"That was so cool. Just to see his reaction, that was very special … For him to make the putt was everything. That’s what this is all about."
After a two-and-a-half hour delay due to bad weather, the first round of The Masters got underway on Thursday.
Editor's P/S:
Dakota Watson's remarkable performance at the Par Three Contest stole the spotlight, showcasing her exceptional putting skills that rivaled her legendary father, Bubba Watson. Her ability to sink long-range putts with precision left spectators in awe, drawing comparisons to the legendary Ben Crenshaw. Dakota's performance highlights the growing talent and potential of young golfers, and her future in the sport looks promising.
The Par Three Contest also fostered a sense of family camaraderie and joy. Wives, partners, children, and grandchildren joined golfers on the course, creating a heartwarming atmosphere. Rickie Fowler and his family emerged victorious, but it was the young talents like Dakota Watson and Jax Woodland who captured the hearts of the crowd. These young golfers showcased their skills and passion for the game, reminding us of the importance of family and the future of golf.
