Par 3 Contest: Fun in the sun, a chance to unwind before the real shots at Augusta National

Jack Nicklaus makes his way along the eighth hole during the par-three contest before the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 10, 2013, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Curtis Compton) MARIETTA DAILY OUT; GWINNETT DAILY POST OUT; LOCAL TV OUT; WXIA-TV OUT; WGCL-TV OUT (The Associated Press)

Arnold Palmer, from left, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player walk down the first fairway after teeing off during the par-three contest before the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 10, 2013, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Curtis Compton) (The Associated Press)

AUGUSTA, Ga. – Ted Potter Jr. has won the Par 3 Contest at Augusta National, the light-hearted precursor to the first major of the year.

Potter won on the second playoff hole Wednesday, making a birdie at No. 9 to beat Matt Kuchar. Phil Mickelson was eliminated on the first extra hole.

Still, don't bet on Potter to win the Masters.

No winner of the Par 3 Contest has gone on to win the green jacket. The Masters begins Thursday, with Tiger Woods an overwhelming favorite.

The Par 3 is held on a picturesque course covering 1,060 yards, tucked into the northeast corner at Augusta National.

Woods skipped the competition, resting up for the tournament that matters. But the crowd got a chance to cheer on Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Gary Player.