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Akshay Bhatia got star treatment on Wednesday at Augusta. Former NFL center Jason Kelce became his caddie for the 2026 Masters Par 3 Contest, marking a crossover nobody expected. The 38-year-old ESPN on-air talent showed off surprising skills in his new role.
🔥 Quick Facts
- The Golfer: Akshay Bhatia is a 24-year-old with three PGA Tour wins, including 2026 Arnold Palmer Invitational.
- The Caddie: Jason Kelce, six-time All-Pro center, wore full white caddie outfit with nameplate.
- The Event: Par 3 Contest held April 8, 2026 at noon ET at Augusta National.
- Celebrity Factor: Kevin Hart also caddied for Bryson DeChambeau in the same low-key event.
NFL Legend Makes Augusta Debut in Historic Crossover
Jason Kelce stepped onto the Par 3 course with the energy of a rookie ready to prove himself. The former Philadelphia Eagles center took his caddie duties seriously, wearing a pristine all-white outfit with a nameplate emblazoned on the back. Kelce expressed genuine excitement about potentially witnessing his first hole-in-one in person. His commitment to the role was unmistakable from the moment he arrived at Augusta National on Wednesday afternoon.
The ESPN broadcaster quickly settled into his new responsibilities, reading greens with the focus he once brought to NFL games. Kelce’s transition from football to golf coverage continues to showcase his versatility on camera and on course.
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Green-Reading Skills and Tush Push References
On one pivotal hole, Kelce displayed surprising green-reading expertise. The six-time All-Pro literally laid down on the green to study the slope and line. He helped guide Bhatia with confident advice about the putt’s trajectory. Kelce famously told his player, “Just give it a little Tush Push and it’ll be on, I promise ya.” The reference to the Philadelphia Eagles’ signature celebration brought laughs from spectators.
Unfortunately, Bhatia’s putt rimmed out despite Kelce’s convincing read. The caddie immediately took responsibility, saying, “That was on me. It was a bad line. I know you had to give it some gas to hold.” His accountability showed Kelce’s understanding of caddie culture and team dynamics.
Par 3 Contest Celebrities and Caddie Pairings
| Celebrity Caddie | Golfer | Background |
| Jason Kelce | Akshay Bhatia | Former NFL offensive lineman, ESPN talent |
| Kevin Hart | Bryson DeChambeau | Comedian and entertainer |
| Travis Kelce | TBA | NFL tight end, Jason’s brother |
| Family members | Various golfers | Traditional Par 3 format includes families |
“I feel really good about it. Just give it a little Tush Push and it’ll be on, I promise ya.”
— Jason Kelce, caddie to Akshay Bhatia
Kelce Takes His Own Shot at Golf Glory
Kelce didn’t just manage the bag on Wednesday. He also took a swing himself, demonstrating solid form and smooth power during his shot. The 38-year-old athlete showed decent technique with his golf swing, proving he has athletic foundations. However, his ball flew just over the green, proving that NFL skills don’t automatically translate to the fairways. Kelce took the miss in stride, laughing good-naturedly about his over-powered effort.
His golf experience may be limited, but his competitive fire remains intact. Kelce’s presence at Augusta signals ESPN’s continued investment in using NFL talent to cover golf tournaments from a fresh angle.
Will ESPN Keep Kelce in Golf Coverage, or Was This a One-Time Honor?
Kelce’s performance at the 2026 Masters Par 3 Contest raises interesting questions about his future in golf media. The Philadelphia Eagles legend has quickly evolved from football broadcasts to TGL coverage to now caddying at Augusta National. His versatility impresses both fans and broadcasters. Will ESPN make him a regular at major golf events, or was this a memorable one-time appearance? The answer may depend on audience reaction and Bhatia’s performance throughout the 2026 Masters Tournament, which begins Thursday.
Sources
- USA TODAY – Jason Kelce references ‘Tush Push’ while caddying at Masters Par 3 Contest, April 8, 2026
- The Washington Post – Kevin Hart and Jason Kelce are among the celebrity caddies at Augusta National’s Par 3 Contest
- Sky Sports – The Masters 2026 Aaron Rai wins Par 3 Contest after Tommy Fleetwood makes ace
