ESPN Golf

AUGUSTA, Ga. -- Arnold Palmer, 76, and Jack Nicklaus, 66, made a curtain call at the Augusta National on Wednesday, delighting their fans by competing in the traditional par-three contest on the eve of the U.S. Masters.

It was the only opportunity for the galleries to see the pair, who combined to win a total of 10 green jackets, in action this week and thousands descended on the tiny nine-hole course.

When the year's opening major begins on Thursday, it will mark the first time in more than half a century that neither American has teed off in the main event.

Nicklaus, who played his final competitive round at Augusta last year, was in contention in the par-three tournament as he finished three shots behind winner Ben Crane, who returned a four-under 23.

Crane, who employed Dallas Cowboys quarterback Drew Bledsoe as his caddie, is hoping to end a long hoodoo.

Since the pre-tournament event became part of Masters week, no winner of the par-three has gone on to claim the green jacket.

The par-three produced three holes-in-one, Padraig Harrington, Tim Clark and Arron Oberholser aceing the 135-yard ninth.

Harrington, champion of the par-three in 2004 and joint winner in 2003, had help from his mother, who caddied for the European Ryder Cup player and selected the club for his hole-in-one.

There have been 61 aces since the eve of Masters event was first played in 1960.