Many big names will likely compete in the Masters Par 3 Contest this year, but one star will be noticeably missing.
Rory McIlroy announced Monday that he will not participate in the 2016 edition of the Par 3 Contest, scheduled for next Wednesday. The decision was first reported by The Guardian.
The World No. 3 was unequivocal in his reasoning for his absence.
"It's just too much hassle and it's a bit of a distraction," McIlroy said.
The distraction was likely aided by McIlroy's penchant for high-profile Par 3 caddies. In 2014, he put tennis star (and then-fiancee) Caroline Wozniacki on the bag.