The coolest thing about the Masters is _____?

Filling in the blank to “the coolest thing about the Masters is” qualifies as an all-time softball question but here’s the thing: it made pros past and present who have played in the first major of the year stop and think and consider the world of possibilities. That’s pretty cool.

It’s such an open-ended question that it allowed players to go in a variety of directions and so the answers run the gamut. Steve Stricker said that now that he’s not been in the field the last few years he fully appreciates how great a week it is just to be a contestant, but best answer of this bunch has got to be Matt Kuchar, who summed it up pretty well when he said, “There’s nothing like making that turn on to Magnolia Lane. I get goose bumps every time. That turn down Magnolia Lane is like coming down the stairs as a kid at Christmas. You just know something awesome is around the corner.”

So are the rest of these answers below.

Billy Horschel with his daughter Skylar and wife Brittany at the Par 3 Contest ahead of the 2016 Masters. (Photo: Harry How/Getty Images)

Coming back to the same spot every year. That and the Par-3 Contest, especially after you have kids, may be the best part about going back every year. It’s pretty special.

The Bobby Jones sun dial at Augusta National Club Club for the 2007 Masters. (Photo: Jeff Haynes/AFP via Getty Images)

You’re walking down the same fairways where Bobby Jones was trying to figure it out. It’s a historical place and just to be a part of that for me is so cool.

Cameron Young on the 13th green during a practice round prior to the 2022 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club. (Photo: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Having a chance to win it.

Patrons watch the action on the course during the Par 3 Contest at The Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Network

The enthusiasm by the galleries and the fact that the tournament is played at the same venue every year. Augusta National knows how to make it better and better. 

Magnolia Lane’s 60 magnolia trees and the clubhouse lead members to the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images

I can’t pick one: Either the walk up 18, standing alone back on the 13^th tee or the drive down Magnolia Lane.