Cricket legend AB de Villiers soaks up Augusta magic in Masters Par-3 contest

The batting phenom swapped his bat for a set of golf clubs as he served as caddie for 57th-ranked Bezuidenout in the annual Par-Three Contest, traditionally played on the eve of the tournament.

The competition has a fun and festive feel, with many of the players allowing their caddies and even their wives and young children to hit shots.

De Villiers got the opportunity as well, playing a sand wedge into one of Augusta's iconic holes.

"I hit a nice little sand wedge in there, found the green, spun back to the front fringe area. I'm pretty happy," he said. "I was completely numb. Could hardly breathe. I'm happy with the result.

"Absolute privilege," De Villiers added. "Glad to be here. I've been watching this event since I was three years old. It's great to be here with my mate and walk the golf course."

Bezuidenhout was delighted to have his good friend De Villiers along for the ride.

"It was great to have one of my friends here as well to caddie for me," he said. "We've probably known each other 10, 12 years. We've played a lot of golf together. We played a lot of pro-ams together back in South Africa."

Don't expect Bezuidenhout to follow suit and join De Villiers on the cricket field, however.

"I'm really scared of a cricket ball," he added. "I've never played cricket with him. I've played a lot of golf with him."

De Villiers is not well known in America but Bezuidenhout did his best to explain the cricketer's greatness.

"He's probably not as famous in America, but around the world he's very famous. He's like the Tom Brady of cricket," he said.

Bezuidenhout is getting ready to contest his fourth Masters tournament. His best finish was in 2020 when he finished in 38th place. He is one of three South Africans in the field this week, joining former champion Charl Schwartzel and Thriston Lawrence.

"Just trying to put myself in a position on the weekend," he said.

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