AUGUSTA, Ga. — It was the moment of a lifetime for Jason Kokrak, and it came at perhaps golf's most hallowed ground.
Under a sunny sky Wednesday at Augusta National, the Hudson resident Kokrak took part in the Masters Par-3 contest, the precursor to the big tournament that begins Thursday. The event has become known as an homage to the game, with former greats (as well as their kids and grandkids) often taking part and holes-in-one sending roars throughout the gallery.
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Participating in just his third Masters and first Par-3, Kokrak stepped up to the tee on the fourth hole of Augusta's famed short course. From 125 yards out, the 36-year-old hit the ball to the back of the green before watching it slink back towards the hole and fall in for what turned out to be the only ace of the day, and a happy celebration with his wife and two young kids ensued.
It was one of the highlights of the day for a Masters staple that hadn't been played in three years because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mackenzie Hughes, Kevin Na, and Mike Weir were all named co-winners at 4-under-par as officials elected to forgo a playoff due to approaching weather.
A native of Canada, Kokrak was a two-time Ohio state champion at John F. Kennedy Catholic School in Warren before playing in college at Xavier University in Cincinnati. He now lives in Hudson with his family, and is currently ranked 28th in the world with three career PGA Tour wins to his credit.
Though Kokrak didn't win the Par-3 contest, it might be for the best, as no one has ever won the event and the Masters on the same weekend. Kokrak will begin his first round Thursday at 9:50 a.m. along with Talor Gooch and 2016 champ Danny Willet.