A Tradition Like No Other
At Augusta National Golf Club, a tradition started in 1930 would plant the seeds for what would become one of golf's most distinctive honors. The green jacket, synonymous with golfing greatness, began its storied history as a mark of distinction, but it was not until 1949 that Sam Snead became the first champion to be awarded this iconic prize. From that moment, the green jacket has symbolized not just victory at one of the sport's most prestigious events, but also membership into a very exclusive club of champions.
A curious aspect of this tradition is the requirement for players to provide their jacket sizes upon registration, ensuring that the eventual winner receives a garment that not only represents triumph but also fits as if tailored for a champion – which, in many ways, it is.
Crafting a Legacy
Despite its storied significance, each green jacket is produced at a cost of around $250, crafted from a blend of wool and polyester. It takes a painstaking month to create each jacket, a process imbued with as much care and precision as the game itself. For the champions, the Masters offers tailoring services to ensure a perfect fit, a testament to the jacket's personal and historic importance. Remarkably, champions who win multiple titles wear their original jacket—a policy that underscores the enduring legacy of each victory.
Interestingly, Jack Nicklaus, one of golf’s most storied champions, did not take possession of his green jacket until 1998, many years after his initial Masters victory. This anecdote highlights the unique stories intertwined with each jacket and the personal journeys of the golfers who wear them.
Statements of Style and Substance
Over the years, the green jacket has featured in various fashion moments, reflecting both changing tastes and the timeless nature of the tournament. Yet, beyond its style, the jacket stands as a symbol of achievement and belonging among the elites of the golf world.
Traditions and Exceptions
Traditionally, the defending champion has the privilege of taking the green jacket off the grounds of Augusta National for a year. There have been instances, however, that challenged this rule. Figures like Seve Ballesteros and Gary Player famously kept their jackets for longer than allowed, leading to a new policy that provides players with a replica jacket for personal keeping, ensuring that the original stays within the hallowed grounds of Augusta.
Personal and Peculiar Tales
The legends and lore surrounding the green jacket are as varied and vibrant as the tournament's history itself. Tiger Woods, following his breathtaking victory in 1997, famously slept in his jacket, overwhelmed by his achievement. Zach Johnson, in contrast, used a makeshift trash bag as a garment bag for his treasured jacket, showcasing the down-to-earth nature of some of the game's greats.
Other champions have had unique interactions with their jackets that further enrich the garment's lore. Adam Scott's jacket required repairs after a friend's enthusiastic celebration led to an accidental tear, while Hideki Matsuyama expressed concerns about the potential risks of dry cleaning his prized possession. Jordan Spieth once wore an oversized jacket that he never returned for tailoring, and José María Olazábal could identify his jacket by a typo inside, a small error on an otherwise perfect symbol of golfing excellence.
In a touching tribute to the deep personal connection between the champions and their green jackets, Billy Casper once expressed his desire to be buried in his. This sentiment underscores the profound impact winning the Masters has on an individual, and how the green jacket becomes more than just a prize—it becomes a part of who they are, both as a golfer and as a person.
The green jacket of Augusta National remains one of the most revered symbols in sports, embodying not just victory, but a rich history filled with personal triumphs, traditions, and the timeless spirit of the game of golf.