Par-3 Contest sees record TV viewership

With Tiger Woods in the field and Jack Nicklaus producing a memorable shot, the Par-3 Contest had the highest television viewership in its history Wednesday.

ESPN announced the two-hour telecast averaged 1,084,871 viewers, surpassing the previous record of 1,007,274 in 2010. It averaged a 0.8 rating, tying the event’s highest rating on ESPN set in 2008 and matched in 2010.

The network first televised the Par-3 in 2008.

The contest featured Woods’ first appearance since 2004, and Nicklaus’ ace on No. 4 while playing with Gary Player and Ben Crenshaw.

ESPN also announced its SportsCenter at the Masters special Wednesday saw an 83 percent viewership increase.

SLIDESHOW: Par 3 Contest