Image source, Getty Images. By. Jonathan Jurejko. BBC Sport golf reporter. 7 hours ago. 73 Comments. Three-time Masters champion Gary Player might turn 91 later this year, but on Wednesday he was still high-kicking his way around Augusta and lapping up another chance to play in front of the patrons.. Remy Scheffler is just two weeks old. The new-born son of world number one Scottie was ferried around the course by his mother Meredith in a baby carrier.. The presence of two people at the opposite ends of human lifespan showed the Masters’ annual Par 3 Contest is not just providing wholesome, family-friendly entertainment.. It also showed how golf – in a time when all sports and pursuits are battling for attention in a saturated leisure market more than ever before – has the capacity to bring generations together like few others.. The sight of Player holing birdie putts, celebrating by lifting one young fan into his arms, contrasted superbly with nine-year-old Frankie Fleetwood’s focus and determination to clear the water and hit the ninth green.. “I just think about the time span. That’s why our game is so incredible,” defending champion Rory McIlroy said earlier this week.. For the world’s leading golfers, there are few weeks in the season which heighten the senses more than the Masters – especially if you’re in the mix for the Green Jacket.. The shortform spectacle demonstrated once again that the annual pilgrimage to Augusta National is not all about stressing over fairway lies and pin positions.. It’s about seeing the stars switch off on the eve of what could be the biggest week of their careers, beaming from ear to ear as they play a glamorous version of pitch and putt, with partners and children by their side dressed in Augusta caddie boiler suits.. England’s Aaron Rai said it felt “phenomenal” to top the leaderboard – even though nobody has ever won the event – which started in 1960 – and gone on to claim the main prize at the weekend.. “I’m not sure if it’s a good omen or not,” smiled Rai, who credited his wife Gaurika – also a professional golfer – for helping him win by reading his putts.. “A lot of people just enjoy this tournament for what it means for spending time with the family.”. Rai was spot on. The event isn’t about the winning. It’s all about the taking part.. Last year, McIlroy’s daughter Poppy stole the show by knocking in a 30-foot putt as the stars cut loose before the serious stuff starts on Thursday.. This year, it was Tommy Fleetwood’s son Frankie who took the spotlight.. The Masters. 9-12 April. Augusta National Golf Club. Live text commentary of rounds one and two from 12:30 BST, and rounds three and four from 17:00 BST.. Live radio coverage on BBC Sounds from 20:00 BST across all four rounds. Image source, Getty Images. The youngster had the galleries chanting his name as he tried to fulfil a vow made 12 months ago – to clear the water with his tee shot on the final ninth hole.. A year older, bigger and stronger – and
