Par 3 Contest takes place in Augusta

Children served as caddies for their golfer dads Wednesday in the Par 3 Contest at the Augusta National Golf Club.

The friendly competition between current and former Masters competitors is a tradition. The Masters tournament begins Thursday in Augusta.

The Par 3 Contest was broadcast nationally for the first time this year.

Tournament organizers are also offering free tickets to the Masters for girls and boys ages 8-16 who come with a patron.

They say it's part of an initiative to get children interested in golf.

"I thought what a great combination. Bring kids to see their heroes and at the same time expose them to the great attributes of how our fans act and behave and enjoy the game of golf, that it was a win-win," says Billy Payne, the Masters chairman.

But females are not allowed to compete in the Masters.

Payne declined to comment on that, saying that matter was private.