Why does the Masters award a Green Jacket to the winning golfer?
The Green Jacket awarded to the Masters champion each year is one of the most iconic symbols in sports.
The tradition has its roots dating back to the founding of Augusta National Golf Club, when Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts decided that Augusta National members should wear brightly colored blazers at the 1937 Masters so that patrons would easily know whom to ask if they needed assistance.
After winning the Masters in 1949, Sam Snead received a Green Jacket and an honorary membership at Augusta, beginning the traditional ceremony that continues today in which the tournament winner is presented his Green Jacket by the previous year’s champion.
Can the Green Jacket leave the grounds of Augusta National?
Only the reigning Masters champion is permitted to wear the Green Jacket outside of Augusta National. In the tradition of the Stanley Cup and other iconic sports trophies, the Masters champ can travel freely with his Green Jacket in a year-long celebration of his victory.
However, once his reign is over, the jacket remains in the Champions Locker Room at Augusta National until it can be worn again for ceremonial occasions -- such as the Green Jacket presentation or the Champions Dinner.
Green Jacket details
The official color of the Augusta National blazer is Masters Green (Pantone 342). The design is “classically American,” according to the Masters website, a three-button, notch lapel with a single vent. Each jacket is made of tropical wool, with gold buttons embossed with the Augusta National logo, and an embroidered patch with the logo on the left breast pocket.
The Green Jacket has evolved slightly over the years, but its overall design very closely resembles the original ones worn by Bobby Jones, Clifford Roberts and the first club members.