Why does the winner of the Masters get a green jacket?

The green jacket is synonymous with the Augusta Masters and is one of golf’s finest traditions with the jacket being awarded the winner of the Masters since 1949, the 13th time the tournament was played with Sam Snead being its first recipient. The jacket was also retrospectively awarded to the champions of the 12 previous Masters.

Placed on the new champion by the previous year’s winner, it must then be returned to the Augusta National clubhouse a year later.

The history of the jacket

The idea of the very original prize came from one of the founders and designers of the Master - Bobby Jones. After his victorious triumph on the Royal Liverpool course at the 1927 Open, Jones came amazed with the design of the red hunting jacket worn by former club captains. It was not just the smart-casual look that astonished the American champion but also the recognition and distinction of the former club greats, who were the only ones with the right to wear it. It was something that he thought the American Golfing scene lacked - the tribute to greatness.

After Augusta National was officially opened in 1933, Jones slipped the concept to his business partner Clifford Roberts. An issue was raised about the jacket color, and the shades of Red, yellow, and even ‘Georgia peach’ were all contemplated but quickly disregarded. Then, one day during a walk around the clubhouse, Roberts’ was impressed by the leaves underpinning the many azalea bushes found on the former Fruitland Nursery site. Familiar as verdant green, the choice was made, and a legend was born.

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First winner

Sam Snead was the first professional winner at Augusta to receive one in 1949. Receiving it from Jones himself, Snead must have had mixed sentiments as he pulled on the size 40, a Brooks Uniform Company jacket for the first time. He wouldn’t even imagine that 71 years later, that single item repeatedly outshines the most wanted list of every PGA Tour professional. Not many Augusta National members, honorary or otherwise, have the opportunity to show off the most famous jacket in sport.

The Cincinnati-based Hamilton Tailoring Company has been the only supplier since 1967 for each single-breasted, center-vented Champion blazer, and it will surprise that the cost stands at the remarkably modest sum of just $250.

Sporting the famous Augusta National logo, they match the one stitched onto the left-hand breast pocket before each jacket is finally delivered. As for the distinctive green color, it is listed as: ‘Pantone 342′.