McIlroy to skip Par 3 Contest to focus on Masters

Rory McIlroy revealed on Monday he will skip the Par 3 Contest on the eve of next week's US Masters at Augusta to focus on his goal of winning the year's first major.

"I'm not going to play the Par 3 Contest this year as it's just too much hassle and it's a bit of a distraction," said the Northern Irish golfer.

The four-time major winner will be making his eighth straight appearance in the Masters and only once has he not played the Par 3 Contest at Augusta National.