Masters survey: First experience down Magnolia Lane and what players look forward to the most

The Masters lights up the golf world every April, its spiritual setting warming hearts around the globe. Among the awakening are the players who take to the architectural gem framed by an explosion of colors. To the man, they love to talk about the unparalleled tournament between the Georgia Pines down Magnolia Lane at Augusta National Golf Club.

The gathering every spring is matchless, from the Augusta National Women’s Amateur and the Drive, Chip and Putt competition through the ceremony at Butler Cabin.

Ahead of the 86^th Masters, Golfweek conducted its annual survey, this year getting takes on many things Masters from 25 players, nine of whom have won a green jacket, 12 major champions in all.

Today’s questions:

What was the experience like driving down Magnolia Lane for the first time?

“I was at the University of Georgia, a freshman. We played Augusta National once a year. We didn’t have cellphones back then. We had disposable cameras. As soon as we turned onto Magnolia Lane, it was click, click, click, click.” – Two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson

“It was 1959. Probably about two weeks before the tournament. Drove down with my friend, Robin Obetz, who was my best man in my wedding the next year. I didn’t know what Magnolia Lane was. It was pretty impressive to start with. We were pretty overwhelmed by it. I didn’t know you couldn’t bring guests onto the property. But Alec Osborne (a member) took care of everything. It was seamless. I still get shivers thinking about that first time. It was a thrill then and it’s a thrill now. What amazes me about Magnolia Lane more than anything is that the trees look exactly the same to me now as they did back in 1959.” – Six-time Masters champion Jack Nicklaus

“It was the week before my first Masters last year and I remember I had some Mexican music going on down Magnolia Lane. It was pretty cool.” – Abraham Ancer

“It was incredible. Way exceeded expectation. It’s crazy. It like golf Disney World.” – Matt Fitzpatrick

“It was great. You’re not supposed to have your phone out. But we did. I still remember it. Driving down Magnolia Lane never disappoints.” – Jason Day

“It was ’85. I was 19. And I was really impressed. When you get to the gate, you see all of the magnolia trees and the clubhouse at the very end with a yellow flag around the roundabout. Really impressive. Still is today.” – Two-time Masters champion Jose Maria Olazabal

“It was crazy. It’s funny because it looks exactly like the pictures, which sounds stupid, but some things don’t live up to it and it did, and it was cool. It’s such an unassuming entrance. But it’s like, wow, this is Augusta National. You wait so long to do it. You almost overhype it, but you know, it was awesome.” – Max Homa

“It was surreal. It was much shorter than I expected it to be. I was expecting it to meander for some time. But what unravels on the other side of the clubhouse is incredible.” – Justin Rose

“It was in 1970. Driving down Magnolia Lane was, you know, it was all that was hyped up to me. It was beautiful. And it still is exciting to drive down Magnolia Lane. You go down that dark, shadowy lane. Those magnolia trees have grown so, so big that it’s dark going through there, but you see the clubhouse, that white clubhouse at the end, and it’s quite a sight.” – Two-time Masters champion Tom Watson

“I was able to take dad to play before the ’05 Masters and when we drove down Magnolia Lane together it was so special. I’ll never forget it. Then playing the golf course, taking the pictures on the bridges, everything about that day was great. Then I got to play with my hero, Fred Couples, in a practice round in my first Masters that year, so it was a pretty great year.” – Ryan Palmer

“I still get goosebumps thinking about it. I get goosebumps every time I make that turn off Washington Road. There’s a lot more security than there used to be when I when I first drove down there, but the drive is still the same and I feel like a kid all over again making that drive.” – Matt Kuchar

“It was very surreal. It felt like I was in a dreamland. I drove 1 or 2 mph and the guards were looking at me and they didn’t blink because they knew exactly what was happening.” – Xander Schauffele

“It was October of 2013 and I didn’t have my phone out. I was like, ‘I just want to soak this in.’ I had gone the year before as a spectator on the Monday and knew right away it was my favorite course. But that first time on Magnolia Lane was pretty special. We actually played Pine Valley earlier in the day. Pretty good day.” – 2015 Masters champion Jordan Spieth

“I was playing with the Wake Forest team, my junior year and like typical college kids, we were in the van. One of the guys in the van put in the Masters theme song and we drove down Magnolia Lane. It was the most college, most college guy thing ever, but it was awesome.” – Will Zalatoris

“It was a Saturday in 2014 before the Masters and it was just pretty cool. You sort of take it all in. I enjoy it more or appreciate it more now than I did then. Just for the fact that you know it’s just a special place and to be able to play there year in year out, to be on hollowed grounds and think about who’s played here and who’s driven down this road before, it’s pretty amazing.” – Billy Horschel

“Oh, wow. Very special. The funny thing is it’s no different, almost no different now. I guess it was more special that first time. But even now it is unbelievable and very special every time I drive down there.” – 1987 Masters champion Larry Mize

“Our college team got to go when I was at Vanderbilt. Just an unbelievable experience driving down Magnolia Lane, seeing the clubhouse through the little corridor and something just happens to you. It’s your first time and you really want to play well, and you start thinking about all the shots you want to hit and you kind of get stuck in the moment. I wanted to hit a great shot on 12, wanted to go for it on 13 and 15. It all starts on Magnolia Lane.” – Brandt Snedeker

“I was in high school, 2005 or 2006, and it was incredible. I’d been to a couple Masters before; that’s really the only tournament I’ve ever watched since I was 5 or 6. That’s kind of what got me into golf. And then I’m going down Magnolia Lane. It still gives you goosebumps even to this day, just the history of that place and the feeling you get that you’ve kind of made it.” – Harris English

“It was pretty special. It’s my favorite course in the world and it never gets old but driving in there for the first time I think you’re a bit taken aback by the security when you first pull in. And then you drive as slowly as you can.” – Graeme McDowell

“It was 1988. It was so cool and it’s still cool. It is something special. All the Magnolias, the azaleas. It gave me sort of some insight to what I wanted to do to my house.” – 1991 Masters champion Ian Woosnam

What is the one thing you look forward to the most about the Masters?

“In many ways it is the start of the golfing season. It certainly is the start of the major championship season. Even though I don’t play anymore, it’s fun to be there. It’s fun to go to the Masters dinner. I’m done with the Par 3, but toward the end of my career, I used to play every year. But I just can’t play anymore. And then there is the honor of hitting the opening tee shot alongside Gary Player. Now, with the addition of our good friend, Tom Watson, that will be nice. I enjoy seeing everybody. It’s like a reunion.” – Six-time Masters champion Jack Nicklaus

Honorary starter Gary Player greets Jack Nicklaus at the 1st tee during the first round of The Masters. (Photo: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports)

“I just love the creativity you need to play that golf course. I love golf courses where you have many options around the greens.” – Abraham Ancer

“The atmosphere of the tournament., the roars, the buzz.” – Matt Fitzpatrick

“Ooh. There’s so much. Seeing all the locker room guys is great, they are always so grateful and happy to see us and we’re happy to see them. That vibe in the clubhouse I love.” – Justin Rose

“It’s hard to pick one. I’ll give you two. The Champions Dinner. I look forward to the stories from the past champions. And the Par-3 Contest with the little ones. I still have a picture to this day of being on the first tee and Mr. Player was in the group in front and he’s on the practice green doing magic tricks with (daughter) Windsor Wells. It doesn’t get any better than that.” – 2018 Masters champion Patrick Reed

“The opportunity to contend. Having a chance to win the green jacket on Sunday afternoon is as good a feeling as anything in golf.” – Marc Leishman

“I think it’s the fans. For some reason the fans are so knowledgeable and courteous. It feels like you have gone back in time. And those roars are something else.” – Matt Kuchar

“I think it’s just being on the golf course. I think it’s just walking those fairways. It’s my favorite course in the world. It’s very hard to have the perfect golf course, and to me, Augusta approaches perfection.” – Graeme McDowell

“The thrill of competition. Being in contention on Sunday, there’s just no other place like it with the roars and the crowds. The biggest challenge is how you are going to handle your emotions.” – Xander Schauffele

“Normally, it’s a late tee time on Sunday. More so than the Champions Dinner. The late tee time just excites me.” – 2015 Masters champion Jordan Spieth

“I get to play on Sunday’s because I’m a past champion. I remember my wife asked me after I won if I could bring a guest on Sunday. It was like a year away. Playing with my wife at Augusta National is very special. And who doesn’t look forward to putting on the green jacket when you go and sit at your locker.” – Two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson

“I think it’s just the buzz. I mean, there’s a million things that make it great. I mean, I’m sure some guys have probably even mentioned the food and going around Amen Corner and skipping balls on 16. But I think it’s just, when you get there and you hop out of the car in the player lot, the buzz just hits you. There’s nothing like it.” – Will Zalatoris

“There are so many things. But the Par 3 tournament is one big deal. Just the whole experience of being there is amazing. You can talk about the sandwiches, you can talk about skipping the ball at 16, you can talk about whatever. And seeing all the past champions. Everything’s cool.” – Kevin Na

Kevin Na’s daughter, Sophia Ria, is seen during the Par 3 Contest for the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club. (Augusta National/The Masters)

“Probably just seeing all the friends and family that I’ve grown up with. I did the experience from outside the ropes growing up there, and now being on the inside is special.” – Kevin Kisner

“I just really enjoy playing the course. The stretch from No. 12 through No. 16 is incredible every single time I play it. That’s my favorite stretch of any golf course. And there’s so much more. You get to know the locker room staff, the food’s incredible, the people are so nice. They’ll literally do anything for you. And it’s cool for me to have a lot of family and friends come in to town. It’s such a great week, I hope I get to play in 10, 15 more.” – Harris English