The Loop

Little kids burying putts; pop stars shaking after shanking shots -- welcome to the Par-3 Contest

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__For the first time since 2004, Tiger Woods competed in the Par-3 Contest. Which meant that we got to watch him with his kids, Charlie and Sam, walk around the Masters par-3 course.

He had his daughter, Sam, hit three short putts -- and she was three for three from short range!

"We had an absolutely great time. These were memories for a lifetime." -- Tiger Woods on playing the Par 3 Contest with his family. #Masters

— Alex Myers (@AlexMyers3) April 8, 2015

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Who else could interrupt a live broadcast at Augusta? Jack Nicklaus!

A classic moment along the ninth tee box just now at the Par-3 course. Jack was walking from the tee to the green, and stopped at the ESPN broadcast booth. Andy North and Curtis Strange both turned away from the camera to talk to Jack behind the setup.

The best part? Strange to Jack: "I know what happens when you make one of those. I'll see you tonight."

Jack: "Send me the bill."

Drinks on Jack!

Not Ben Crenshaw's best effort...

Crenshaw, playing with Jack and Gary Player in the Par-3 Contest before his last Masters this week, has been one of the best moments of today.

But this was not one of his finer moments. This one at No. 9 didn't come close to scaring the green.

Not only on the leader board but in the cute-kid category, too.

The Byron Nelson champ from last year is four under on the ninth hole, leading the field. His baby boy, Oliver, just stole the show, though. ESPN cameras caught Oliver teething on his dad's finger before Brendon teed off on the ninth hole.

Talk about trying to ice your dad. Nothing like some baby spit! Such a cool moment.

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Rory and Tiger hanging with One Direction star Niall Horan

Rory and Tiger have more clout than anyone currently in golf. But they only have 6 million Twitter followers. Rory's caddie today at the Par-3 Contest, Niall Horan from One Direction, has 22 million. Unreal!

— Masters Tournament (@TheMasters) April 8, 2015

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Rickie Fowler and Alexis Randock

Looks like Rickie Fowler isn't too pleased with his caddie (and girlfriend), Alexis Randock. Do you think she mis-clubbed him? #PrayForAlexisRandock?

Kicking off

Tiger's teeing it up. Rory's here a day before he chases history and the Grand Slam. Ben Crenshaw taking Arnold Palmer's place in a group with Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player. And of course, families of all the participants are here.

It's one of the most charming moments of the Masters.

Bubba Watson wrestling around with his son, Caleb, on the ground. And Caleb taking a swing with dad's driver. So cool!

The Canadian amateur Corey Conners has the early clubhouse lead at three under.