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PHOTO COLLECTION: Masters Golf Par-3 Contest

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PHOTO COLLECTION: Masters Golf Par-3 Contest
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PHOTO COLLECTION: Masters Golf Par-3 Contest

2025-04-10 21:41 Last Updated At:21:52

This is a photo collection curated by AP photo editors.

Max Homa, center, with son Cam Homa, laugh with Justin Thomas on the first hole during par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Max Homa, center, with son Cam Homa, laugh with Justin Thomas on the first hole during par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Jordan Spieth's son Sammy swings a club during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Jordan Spieth's son Sammy swings a club during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Scottie Scheffler holds his child Bennett as Sam Burns removes his ball on the first hole during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Scottie Scheffler holds his child Bennett as Sam Burns removes his ball on the first hole during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Byeong Hun An, of South Korea, watches his son Sun-woo, 5, hit on the first hole during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Byeong Hun An, of South Korea, watches his son Sun-woo, 5, hit on the first hole during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Max Homa and his son, Cam Homa, walks on green on the seventh hole during par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Max Homa and his son, Cam Homa, walks on green on the seventh hole during par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Scottie Scheffler interacts with his wife, Meredith, and their son, Bennett, on the seventh hole during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Scottie Scheffler interacts with his wife, Meredith, and their son, Bennett, on the seventh hole during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Jordan Spieth and wife Annie Verret interact with daughter Sophie as they wait to play on the first hole during a practice around at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Jordan Spieth and wife Annie Verret interact with daughter Sophie as they wait to play on the first hole during a practice around at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Scottie Scheffler holds his child Bennett on the first hole during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Scottie Scheffler holds his child Bennett on the first hole during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Max Homa and his son, Cam Homa, interact on the green on the seventh hole during par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Max Homa and his son, Cam Homa, interact on the green on the seventh hole during par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Jordan Spieth holds his daughter Sophie on the seventh hole during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Jordan Spieth holds his daughter Sophie on the seventh hole during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Russell Henley and daughter, Jane, 2, interact on the first hole during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Russell Henley and daughter, Jane, 2, interact on the first hole during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Jordan Spieth interacts with son Sammy during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Jordan Spieth interacts with son Sammy during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

J.J. Spaun's daughter Emerson Lili, 5, runs along the 7th fairway during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

J.J. Spaun's daughter Emerson Lili, 5, runs along the 7th fairway during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Jordan Spieth, right, holds his son Sammy's hand as he gives five to Justin Thomas, left, during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Jordan Spieth, right, holds his son Sammy's hand as he gives five to Justin Thomas, left, during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Max Homa's son, Cam Homa, laughs on green on the seventh hole during par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Max Homa's son, Cam Homa, laughs on green on the seventh hole during par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Shane Lowry, of Ireland, walks on the first hole with daugher Ivy, 3, during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Shane Lowry, of Ireland, walks on the first hole with daugher Ivy, 3, during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Matthieu Pavon, of France, lifts his son, Aaron, 2, on fifth hole during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Matthieu Pavon, of France, lifts his son, Aaron, 2, on fifth hole during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Matthieu Pavon, of France, walks to the green on the first hole as his wife, Melissa Tarris runs with their son Aaron, 2, during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Matthieu Pavon, of France, walks to the green on the first hole as his wife, Melissa Tarris runs with their son Aaron, 2, during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Keegan Bradley celebrates after his son Cooper, 4, made a putt on the fourth hole during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Keegan Bradley celebrates after his son Cooper, 4, made a putt on the fourth hole during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Keegan Bradley rakes the bunker with his son Cooper, 4, on the first hole during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Keegan Bradley rakes the bunker with his son Cooper, 4, on the first hole during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Lucas Glover's son, Lucas Jr., high fives patrons on the first hole during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Lucas Glover's son, Lucas Jr., high fives patrons on the first hole during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Keegan Bradley celebrates with sons Cooper, 4, and Logan, 7, left, on the seventh hole during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Keegan Bradley celebrates with sons Cooper, 4, and Logan, 7, left, on the seventh hole during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Byeong Hun An's, of South Korea, wife, Melissa, helps her son Sun-woo, 5, out of the bunker on the first hole as she holds daughter Ji-Woo, 2, during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Byeong Hun An's, of South Korea, wife, Melissa, helps her son Sun-woo, 5, out of the bunker on the first hole as she holds daughter Ji-Woo, 2, during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Byeong Hun An's, of South Korea, son Sun-woo, 5, hits out of the bunker on the first hole during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Byeong Hun An's, of South Korea, son Sun-woo, 5, hits out of the bunker on the first hole during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Byeong Hun An, of South Korea, watches his son, Sun-woo, 5, hit out of the bunker on the first hole during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Byeong Hun An, of South Korea, watches his son, Sun-woo, 5, hit out of the bunker on the first hole during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Jordan Spieth's son Sammy watches his shot on the seventh hole during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Jordan Spieth's son Sammy watches his shot on the seventh hole during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Max Homa's son, Cam Homa, holds his club on the green on the seventh hole during par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Max Homa's son, Cam Homa, holds his club on the green on the seventh hole during par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Nicolai Hojgaard, Denmark, hits from the bunker on the first hole during the first round at the Masters golf tournament, Thursday, April 10, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Nicolai Hojgaard, Denmark, hits from the bunker on the first hole during the first round at the Masters golf tournament, Thursday, April 10, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Joe Highsmith hits from the fairway on the first hole during the first round at the Masters golf tournament, Thursday, April 10, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Joe Highsmith hits from the fairway on the first hole during the first round at the Masters golf tournament, Thursday, April 10, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Patrons arrive for the first round at the Masters golf tournament, Thursday, April 10, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Patrons arrive for the first round at the Masters golf tournament, Thursday, April 10, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Honorary Starter Jack Nicklaus acknowledges the patrons, as fellow Honorary Starter Tom Watson applauds, on the first hole during the first round at the Masters golf tournament, Thursday, April 10, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Honorary Starter Jack Nicklaus acknowledges the patrons, as fellow Honorary Starter Tom Watson applauds, on the first hole during the first round at the Masters golf tournament, Thursday, April 10, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

More Images
Max Homa, center, with son Cam Homa, laugh with Justin Thomas on the first hole during par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Max Homa, center, with son Cam Homa, laugh with Justin Thomas on the first hole during par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Jordan Spieth's son Sammy swings a club during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Jordan Spieth's son Sammy swings a club during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Scottie Scheffler holds his child Bennett as Sam Burns removes his ball on the first hole during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Scottie Scheffler holds his child Bennett as Sam Burns removes his ball on the first hole during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Byeong Hun An, of South Korea, watches his son Sun-woo, 5, hit on the first hole during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Byeong Hun An, of South Korea, watches his son Sun-woo, 5, hit on the first hole during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Max Homa and his son, Cam Homa, walks on green on the seventh hole during par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Max Homa and his son, Cam Homa, walks on green on the seventh hole during par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Scottie Scheffler interacts with his wife, Meredith, and their son, Bennett, on the seventh hole during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Scottie Scheffler interacts with his wife, Meredith, and their son, Bennett, on the seventh hole during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Jordan Spieth and wife Annie Verret interact with daughter Sophie as they wait to play on the first hole during a practice around at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Jordan Spieth and wife Annie Verret interact with daughter Sophie as they wait to play on the first hole during a practice around at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Scottie Scheffler holds his child Bennett on the first hole during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Scottie Scheffler holds his child Bennett on the first hole during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Max Homa and his son, Cam Homa, interact on the green on the seventh hole during par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Max Homa and his son, Cam Homa, interact on the green on the seventh hole during par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Jordan Spieth holds his daughter Sophie on the seventh hole during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Jordan Spieth holds his daughter Sophie on the seventh hole during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Russell Henley and daughter, Jane, 2, interact on the first hole during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Russell Henley and daughter, Jane, 2, interact on the first hole during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Jordan Spieth interacts with son Sammy during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Jordan Spieth interacts with son Sammy during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

J.J. Spaun's daughter Emerson Lili, 5, runs along the 7th fairway during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

J.J. Spaun's daughter Emerson Lili, 5, runs along the 7th fairway during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Jordan Spieth, right, holds his son Sammy's hand as he gives five to Justin Thomas, left, during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Jordan Spieth, right, holds his son Sammy's hand as he gives five to Justin Thomas, left, during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Max Homa's son, Cam Homa, laughs on green on the seventh hole during par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Max Homa's son, Cam Homa, laughs on green on the seventh hole during par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Shane Lowry, of Ireland, walks on the first hole with daugher Ivy, 3, during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Shane Lowry, of Ireland, walks on the first hole with daugher Ivy, 3, during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Matthieu Pavon, of France, lifts his son, Aaron, 2, on fifth hole during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Matthieu Pavon, of France, lifts his son, Aaron, 2, on fifth hole during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Matthieu Pavon, of France, walks to the green on the first hole as his wife, Melissa Tarris runs with their son Aaron, 2, during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Matthieu Pavon, of France, walks to the green on the first hole as his wife, Melissa Tarris runs with their son Aaron, 2, during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Keegan Bradley celebrates after his son Cooper, 4, made a putt on the fourth hole during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Keegan Bradley celebrates after his son Cooper, 4, made a putt on the fourth hole during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Keegan Bradley rakes the bunker with his son Cooper, 4, on the first hole during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Keegan Bradley rakes the bunker with his son Cooper, 4, on the first hole during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Lucas Glover's son, Lucas Jr., high fives patrons on the first hole during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Lucas Glover's son, Lucas Jr., high fives patrons on the first hole during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Keegan Bradley celebrates with sons Cooper, 4, and Logan, 7, left, on the seventh hole during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Keegan Bradley celebrates with sons Cooper, 4, and Logan, 7, left, on the seventh hole during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Byeong Hun An's, of South Korea, wife, Melissa, helps her son Sun-woo, 5, out of the bunker on the first hole as she holds daughter Ji-Woo, 2, during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Byeong Hun An's, of South Korea, wife, Melissa, helps her son Sun-woo, 5, out of the bunker on the first hole as she holds daughter Ji-Woo, 2, during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Byeong Hun An's, of South Korea, son Sun-woo, 5, hits out of the bunker on the first hole during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Byeong Hun An's, of South Korea, son Sun-woo, 5, hits out of the bunker on the first hole during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Byeong Hun An, of South Korea, watches his son, Sun-woo, 5, hit out of the bunker on the first hole during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Byeong Hun An, of South Korea, watches his son, Sun-woo, 5, hit out of the bunker on the first hole during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Jordan Spieth's son Sammy watches his shot on the seventh hole during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Jordan Spieth's son Sammy watches his shot on the seventh hole during the par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Max Homa's son, Cam Homa, holds his club on the green on the seventh hole during par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Max Homa's son, Cam Homa, holds his club on the green on the seventh hole during par-3 contest at the Masters golf tournament, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Nicolai Hojgaard, Denmark, hits from the bunker on the first hole during the first round at the Masters golf tournament, Thursday, April 10, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Nicolai Hojgaard, Denmark, hits from the bunker on the first hole during the first round at the Masters golf tournament, Thursday, April 10, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Joe Highsmith hits from the fairway on the first hole during the first round at the Masters golf tournament, Thursday, April 10, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Joe Highsmith hits from the fairway on the first hole during the first round at the Masters golf tournament, Thursday, April 10, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Patrons arrive for the first round at the Masters golf tournament, Thursday, April 10, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Patrons arrive for the first round at the Masters golf tournament, Thursday, April 10, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Honorary Starter Jack Nicklaus acknowledges the patrons, as fellow Honorary Starter Tom Watson applauds, on the first hole during the first round at the Masters golf tournament, Thursday, April 10, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Honorary Starter Jack Nicklaus acknowledges the patrons, as fellow Honorary Starter Tom Watson applauds, on the first hole during the first round at the Masters golf tournament, Thursday, April 10, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II announced Monday he is suspending his campaign for governor and instead joining the race for secretary of state of the battleground state.

Gilchrist, a progressive Democrat from Detroit, did not cite a specific reason for the change in his video announcement, but said he is not finished being a “public servant.” His departure clears up the Democratic primary and benefits the frontrunner, Jocelyn Benson, who is the current Secretary of State, in the race to replace term-limited Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

The secretary of state is Michigan's top election official, a highly politicized and visible role since the 2020 presidential election.

“Michigan has been ground zero in the battle for free and fair elections before, and it will be again,” Gilchrist said.

As Whitmer’s second in command and her running mate in two elections, Gilchrist struggled to match Benson’s name recognition and fundraising. He reported having around $378,000 of cash on hand as of October compared to Benson’s $2.98 million.

Benson is now set to face only Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson in the Democratic primary in August.

The inclusion of a well-known independent candidate has created a new problem for Democrats this year. Former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is avoiding costly primaries altogether by running as an independent. The Michigan Democratic Party slammed the former Democrat last week for not standing up to President Donald Trump’s second term policies.

In the Republican primary, U.S. Rep. John James, former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox, state Senate Leader Aaric Nesbitt and former Michigan House speaker Tom Leonard are jockeying for the nomination.

In his bid to become secretary of state, Gilchrist will face four other Democrats: Barb Byrum, Ingham County clerk; Aghogho Edevbie, deputy secretary of state; Suzanna Shkreli, a former Whitmer aide and commissioner of the Michigan State Lottery; and Adam Hollier, a former state senator from Detroit.

Michigan does not hold primary elections for the secretary of state position; the nominee is chosen by precinct delegates during party conventions. The Michigan Democratic Party convention is scheduled for April 19.

State Republicans plan to hold their nominating convention March 28 and GOP figures chasing the party's nomination for secretary of state include Anthony Forlini, Macomb County Clerk, and Monica Yatooma, an Oakland County executive.

In addition to the office of the governor and secretary of state, Michigan voters will be selecting a new state attorney general and a U.S. senator in November.

FILE - Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II waits before the State of the State address, Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, at the state Capitol in Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis, file)

FILE - Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II waits before the State of the State address, Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, at the state Capitol in Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis, file)

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