Rory McIlroy to skip Par 3 Contest at Masters

Four-time major winner Rory McIlroy will not be taking part in the Par 3 Contest ahead of next week's Masters at Augusta National.

The Ulsterman has made the decision as he wants no distraction as he focuses on trying to complete a career Grand Slam.

“I’m not going to play the Par 3 Contest this year as it’s just too much hassle and it’s a bit of a distraction,” said McIlroy.

It will be only the second time in eight Masters’ appearances that he has skipped the Wednesday event.

“The year I had my best chance at Augusta, and that was in 2011 as I didn’t play the Par 3 Contest so maybe the decision not to play it this year can work in my favour,” he added.