Martin Kaymer hits an approach shot at Augusta National in preparation for the Masters.
The Par 3 contest was cancelled on Wednesday due to extreme weather. REUTERS

The 2012 Masters Par 3 Contest was canceled on Wednesday after extreme weather in the Augusta, Ga. region, according to reports.

The Augusta National Club announced shortly after 4 p.m. that it was cancelling the popular event after thunderstorms threatened the safety of the players. Padraig Harrington and Jonathan Byrd were leading the nine-hole event when play was called. The decision is no doubt met with sadness by fans that traveled long distances to attend one of the most popular days of the Masters weekend.

The event is typically one of the most popular for fans to attend as it features some of the world's best players, as well as past champions as honorary invitees. Past Masters champions Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Gary Player were all at this year's Masters Par 3 contest.

The decision to cancel the Par 3 contest might be met with gratitude by some players, though. Although the event is full of fun, the winner of the Par 3 contest has never gone on to win the actual Masters golf tournament.

The poor weather that led to the cancellation of the Par 3 contest could also cause delays in the opening rounds of the Masters on Thursday and Friday.