The tournament is full of many traditions – but why does the Masters champion receive a Green Jacket? We’ll get to that, but first…
Who’s idea was it?
There is slight confusion as to how the green golf jacket idea made its way down Magnolia Lane.
One story suggests that Bobby Jones once visited Royal Liverpool and saw that all the Hoylake club’s captains were wearing matching red jackets. He liked the idea so much he took it back over the Atlantic.
The other is that, in 1937, Clifford Roberts envisioned that the single-breasted Green Jackets would be worn by Augusta National Golf Club members so guests could identify them for a reliable source of information, and so waiting staff knew who received the bill for dinner.
And, if you’re wondering, ‘Masters Green’ is Pantone 342.
Why does the Masters champion receive a Green Jacket?
It was eventually decided that the winners of the Masters tournament would receive a Green Jacket.
The first Green Jacket which was handed out to a winner was to Sam Snead in 1949. Snead was made an honorary member and a Green Jacket was also dished out to all past champions.
At the closing ceremony of the tournament, where the jacket is awarded, one is borrowed off an Augusta member with a similar build to the winner for the presentation. They will later receive their very own.
For one year after their win, the champion may take their Green Jacket off the Augusta National premises, but then it must remain on the property and they can wear it when they visit the club.
South Africa’s Gary Player – the first international Masters champion – once forgot to bring his Green Jacket back to Augusta in 1962 when he was the defending champion. He was asked to bring it back as soon as possible and told he must not wear it in public in the meantime.
But what about multiple champions? Well, if you win the Masters again, you will receive your original jacket for the presentation – unless your size has changed somewhat dramatically.
Who presents the Green Jacket?
The Masters Green Jacket is presented by the previous year’s champion to the new champion.
If a player successfully defends their title, then the Masters chairman hands them their Green Jacket at the ceremony. Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods are the only three players to have done this.
Who makes the Green Jackets for the Masters?
Originally, the Green Jackets were made in New York by Brooks Uniform Co, but members complained they were too thick and uncomfortable to wear in warm weather.
Since 1967, they have been made by Hamilton Tailoring Co, a Cincinnati-based brand, and it takes about a month to make.
Each jacket features a custom button with the Augusta logo, and the owner’s name embossed inside.
And finally…
There is an option for Augusta National members to upgrade their Green Jacket.
Since 1996, Augusta National has worked with Henry Poole to create bespoke jackets, which are made in London using wool from Yorkshire.
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Matthew Beedle
