Sammy Spieth and Poppy McIlroy Shine: 5 Heartwarming Moments at the Masters Par 3

Sammy Spieth and Poppy McIlroy steal the show at the Masters Par 3 competition, proving that golf’s next generation is ready to charm the world. On April 9, 2025, Augusta National’s Par 3 Contest turned into a family affair, with the pint-sized duo outshining their famous fathers, Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy. While top golfers dodged the “jinxed” title—no Par 3 winner has ever claimed the Masters in the same year—the kids of golf’s elite brought pure joy to the day. From Sammy’s fearless tee shot to Poppy’s jaw-dropping putt, here’s how these little stars stole our hearts.

Table of Contents

1. The Par 3 Contest: A Fun Tradition with a Twist
2. Sammy Spieth and Poppy McIlroy Steal the Show
3. Why Golfers Avoid the “Jinxed” Par 3 Crown
4. Other Kids Who Lit Up Augusta National
5. What This Means for Golf’s Future
6. Conclusion

The Par 3 Contest: A Fun Tradition with a Twist

Sammy Spieth and Poppy McIlroy steal the show, but the Masters Par 3 Contest has always been about more than just golf. Held annually on the Wednesday before the Masters, this nine-hole event at Augusta National is a lighthearted break from the tournament’s intensity. Started in 1960 by Sam Snead, it’s a chance for players to relax, often with family in tow. But there’s a catch: superstition looms large. No golfer has ever won both the Par 3 and the Masters in the same year, leading many to sandbag or let their kids take swings to avoid the “curse.”

On April 9, 2025, the leaderboard reflected this playful dodge. Masters rookie Nico Echavarria won in a playoff against J.J. Spaun, both at 5-under 22, while big names like Spieth and McIlroy happily ceded the spotlight to their children. It’s this mix of fun and folklore that makes the Par 3 a fan favorite.

Sammy Spieth and Poppy McIlroy Steal the Show

Sammy Spieth, age three, and Poppy McIlroy, age four, turned the Par 3 into their personal stage. Sammy, son of 2015 Masters champ Jordan Spieth, kicked things off with a tee shot on the second hole that outdid his dad’s playing partners, Justin Thomas and Max Homa. Dressed in a tiny Augusta caddie jumpsuit, Sammy gripped his driver cross-handed and sent the ball soaring 30 yards—straight down the fairway. The crowd roared, and ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt dubbed him “spectacular.”

Not to be outdone, Poppy McIlroy, daughter of Rory McIlroy—who’s chasing a career Grand Slam—delivered the day’s highlight on the ninth green. With her dad’s putter in hand, she nudged a long, downhill putt that caught a slope and rolled perfectly into the hole. The patrons erupted, and Rory scooped her up in a hug, beaming with pride. Sammy Spieth and Poppy McIlroy steal the show, proving golf’s future is in good hands—and tiny ones at that.

Why Golfers Avoid the “Jinxed” Par 3 Crown

The Par 3’s “jinx” is no small superstition. Since its inception, 64 winners have claimed the title, but none have donned the green jacket that same week. Golfers like Spieth and McIlroy, both in contention for the 2025 Masters, didn’t even bother posting scores. Spieth let Sammy tee off, disqualifying himself, while McIlroy handed Poppy the putter. It’s a strategic dodge—why risk the curse when the real prize starts Thursday?

Even legends play it safe. Gary Player, 89 and the oldest living Masters champ, made three birdies but didn’t submit a score. Meanwhile, Echavarria, a rookie with less pressure, took the win after a birdie in the playoff. For the pros, the Par 3 is less about glory and more about enjoying moments like those Sammy Spieth and Poppy McIlroy gifted us.

Other Kids Who Lit Up Augusta National

Sammy Spieth and Poppy McIlroy weren’t the only young stars. Keegan Bradley’s four-year-old son, Cooper, clapped with glee after his dad aced the sixth hole—one of three holes-in-one that day, alongside Tom Homa and Brooks Koepka. Scottie Scheffler, the defending champ, strolled the course with his infant son Bennett, while Max Homa’s son Cam wielded a junior putter to sink a 30-footer. Billy Horschel’s eight-year-old daughter, Colbie, also holed out, adding to the kid-powered magic.

These moments highlight the Par 3’s unique vibe. Players trade intensity for family time, and the crowd loves it. As Rory McIlroy put it, “To end your preparation with an afternoon like this … it’s such a fun afternoon.” The kids don’t just steal the show—they make it.

What This Means for Golf’s Future

Sammy Spieth and Poppy McIlroy steal the show, but their antics signal something bigger. Golf is evolving, and these family moments at Augusta could inspire the next generation. Sammy’s swing and Poppy’s putt weren’t just cute—they showed natural talent, nurtured by dads who’ve mastered the game. With golf facing challenges like declining youth participation, these glimpses of joy could draw new fans and players alike.

The Par 3 also humanizes the sport’s stars. Seeing Spieth caddie for Sammy or McIlroy cheer Poppy connects pros to fans in a way leaderboard stats can’t. It’s a reminder that golf, at its core, is about fun—something these kids embody effortlessly. For more on golf’s youth movement, check out this insightful piece from Golf Digest.

Conclusion

Sammy Spieth and Poppy McIlroy steal the show at the 2025 Masters Par 3, turning a “jinxed” competition into a celebration of family and future promise. While their dads dodged the title, these tiny golfers delivered unforgettable moments—Sammy’s bold drive, Poppy’s clutch putt—that outshone the pros. The Par 3 Contest remains a cherished tradition, blending superstition with sweetness. As the Masters unfolds, we’ll watch Spieth and McIlroy chase glory, but on this day, their kids were the real winners. What’s your favorite Par 3 memory? Share below!