Nicklaus: I'm done with Masters par-3 contest

Jack Nicklaus will not be teeing it up at the annual par-3 contest at the Masters Tournament this year, he told Golfweek's Steve DiMeglio.

"Even though I don't play anymore, it's fun to be there. It's fun to go to the Masters dinner. I'm done with the par-3 (contest), but toward the end of my career, I used to play every year. But I just can't play anymore," Nicklaus said.

The par-3 contest dates back to 1960; Sam Snead won the inaugural event. The tradition typically sees family and friends caddying for the players participating.

The contest had been canceled for the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

One of Nicklaus' most popular moments came in 2018, when his grandson made a hole-in-one on the final hole of the contest.

The next day, following his ceremonial tee shot, Nicklaus - who has won the Masters six times - said that day at the 2018 par-3 contest was his "greatest day" at Augusta National, according to DiMeglio.

Though he won't be taking part in the par-3 contest, Nicklaus will still be an honorary starter alongside Gary Player and Tom Watson, who will be participating in the ceremonial tee shot for the first time.

The contest takes place on April 6.