Tiger Woods enjoys time with kids at Par-3 Contest

Tiger Woods pounded fists and laughed with patrons Monday while playing nine holes with pal Mark O’Meara. A day later, he signed autographs and embraced his children on the putting green.

If the first two days didn’t prove a more relaxed Woods is at Augusta National Golf Club this week, he left no doubt Wednesday. For the first time since becoming a father, Woods competed in the Par-3 Contest, with daughter Sam, 7, and son Charlie, 6, toting his clubs.

“We had an absolutely great time,” Woods said. “These were memories for a lifetime.”

Woods finished with an unofficial 3-under-par score after allowing Sam to putt on some holes. On No. 9, Woods motioned his putter to Charlie, asking his son to complete the round. After Charlie shook his head, Sam jumped at the opportunity and sank the tap-in.

“It was the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen,” said Missy Thurman, of Tulsa, Okla. “I love seeing Tiger like this – around his kids and family. He looks so happy right now. By far the happiest I’ve seen him in years.”

Though both Sam and Charlie donned the traditional white Masters caddie outfits, there was no golf bag as they strolled beside Ike’s Pond on the final hole. Instead, Charlie held three clubs and Sam carried the putter..

Walking next to them was Woods’ girlfriend Lindsey Vonn, who wore a mint-green dress. On the ninth green, Vonn gave Sam a quick shoulder massage before she drilled the final putt.

“Tiger’s in a very good place right now,” O’Meara said after Monday’s practice round. “He’s a great father and just enjoys being with his family.”

Woods was paired with O’Meara and Steve Stricker during the Par-3 Contest – unofficially finishing ahead of both competitors.

Stricker’s children, Bobbi Maria and Isabella Nicole, caddied for him.

“I’ve been coming to Au­gus­ta for 20 years, and I don’t think Tiger’s ever been this genuinely relaxed and happy,” said patron Tim Miller, of Mobile, Ala. “I think he’s going to do very well this week.”

Ben Crenshaw, who played a practice round with Woods on Wednesday morning, raved about his performance on the second nine.

“Tiger looks good,” he said. “I tell you what, he really looks good right now.”

The last time Woods took part in the Par-3 was 2004. He’s previously called the event a distraction to his tournament preparation. He lived up to his promise to return when Sam and Charlie were old enough to caddie.