Master Green Jackets: Where Quality Meets Trendy Design

The Masters Tournament is one of golf's top events, held every year at Augusta National Golf Club. As the 88th tournament approaches, excitement about the Master Green Blazer is at an all-time high. This famous jacket, given to the winner, has a long and special history in golf. Bob Harig, a well-known golf writer and author of DRIVE: The Last Legacy of Tiger Woods, shares his thoughts on the top players and possible surprise winners aiming for the Green Jacket this year. Besides the cash prize and trophy, winning the Masters also means getting to wear the legendary Master Green Blazer, a tradition that continues to captivate fans and players.

Origins and Significance of the Green Jacket

The Green Jacket tradition at the Masters has an interesting history. Before it became a symbol of winning, the jacket was actually meant for Augusta National members. There are two main stories about how this tradition started. One says that Bobby Jones, who co-founded Augusta National, got the idea from something he saw in Liverpool, England, where club captains wore green jackets. The other story credits Clifford Roberts, the other co-founder, who thought the jacket would help identify club members and make sure waiters knew who should pay the bill during events.

The tradition officially started in 1937, three years after Augusta National first opened in 1934. At first, only club members wore the jackets. The original Green Jackets were made by Brooks Uniform Company in New York, but the material wasn't right for the warm Southern weather, so they switched to a different supplier.

The Evolution of the Master Green Jacket

The tradition of giving the Master Green Jacket to the tournament winner began with Sam Snead in 1949. He was the first golfer to receive the jacket, and later, all past winners were also awarded one. Today, the Green Jacket is a prized symbol of victory and represents membership in an elite group of Masters champions.

Made from tropical-weight wool and adorned with logo-stamped brass buttons, the Master Green Jacket is a classic, single-breasted garment with three buttons and a single vent. It takes about a month to craft each jacket, and the estimated cost is around $250, though the exact price is kept private. The jackets aren’t available for the public to buy, which adds to their exclusivity.

Tradition and Custom: The Green Jacket Ceremony

One of the most beloved traditions at the Masters is the presentation of the Green Jacket. Usually, the previous year's champion puts the jacket on the new winner. But if a player wins two years in a row, like Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, and Tiger Woods, the Masters Chairman does the honors.

A memorable moment happened in 1961 when Gary Player, the first international winner, forgot to return his jacket. When Clifford Roberts asked him about it, Player joked that Roberts could come and get it. Despite the joke, Player agreed to keep the jacket out of public view. 

Similarly, when Billy Casper won in 1970, he loved the Green Jacket so much that he asked to be buried in it when he passed away in 2015. Augusta National honored his request, showing the deep respect and attachment players have for this iconic jacket.

Additional Insights on the Green Jacket

The Green Jacket given during the presentation ceremony isn’t the one the winner keeps. The real jacket is custom-fitted to the winner and given to them later, but it can only be worn on the Augusta National grounds. This tradition helps maintain the jacket as a symbol of the Masters Tournament's prestigious history.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the significance of the Green Jacket at the Masters?

The Green Jacket is a symbol of victory at the Masters Tournament, representing not only the achievement of winning one of golf’s most esteemed events but also inclusion in an elite group of Masters champions.

2. How did the tradition of the Green Jacket start?

The tradition began in 1937 at Augusta National Golf Club. Initially, the jacket was worn by club members, and it was later awarded to tournament winners starting in 1949, with Sam Snead being the first recipient.

3. How long does it take to make a Green Jacket?

It takes approximately a month to craft a Green Jacket, which is made from tropical-weight wool and features brass buttons. The estimated cost of making one is around $250.

4. Can the public purchase a Green Jacket?

No, the Green Jacket is not available for public purchase. It is an exclusive award given only to Masters Tournament winners and is worn exclusively at Augusta National.

5. What happens if a winner does not return the Green Jacket?

While winners can take the Green Jacket home, they must return it by the next tournament. In cases like Gary Player’s in 1961, where the jacket wasn’t returned, special agreements were made, underscoring its importance and the respect it commands.

The Green Jacket remains a symbol of excellence and tradition in golf, representing the timeless appeal and prestige of the sport. As the 2024 Masters approaches, the excitement over who will wear this legendary jacket adds even more thrill to the event.