Tony Cutillo
When you think about The Masters, what are some of the first things that come to mind? Do you tie your memories to past moments or players? One thing we can all agree on is the symbolic green jacket that is synonymous with Augusta. But can we all say we know where it actually originated?
Take a look below and some of the most interesting facts about one of the most symbolic pieces of clothing in all of sports, The Green Jacket.
Where did the “Green Jacket” idea resonate? Who were the historic winners?
• The idea for the “Green Jacket” came from Bobby Jones. While attending a dinner at Royal Liverpool, Jones noticed how the captains wore red jackets. He brought this idea back to co-founder, Clifford Roberts, and they chose green for the color of the jackets that August National members would wear.
• In 1937, Club officials started the custom of Augusta National members wearing a green blazer during Masters Week so patrons could identify reliable sources of information. The Club extended the tradition to Masters Champions with Sam Snead’s win in 1947, indicating the winners were to become honorary members of Augusta National.
• The first green jacket to be awarded to a winner of The Masters was in 1947 when Sam Snead won the tournament.
• The previous year’s winner awards the green jacket to the winner of The Masters each year. If the winner is a returning champion from last year, the Augusta National president has the honor of presenting the returning champion with the green jacket.
• In 1966, Jack Nicklaus was the first Masters champion to win the green jacket two years in a row.
• The first international golfer to wear the green jackets was South African golfer Gary Player, who won The Masters in 1961.
• The green jacket that The Masters champion puts on at the ceremony is not the actual jacket he will keep. This jacket is owned by Augusta national Golf Club and must be returned 12 months later before The Masters.
• Winners are presented with a replica green jacket that they may keep to commemorate their win of the Masters tournament.
• Previous Winners of the Masters must wear their green jacket whenever they play at August National or visit.
• Did you ever wonder how they have jacket that fits on demand? To make sure that the champion will have a jacket that fits, there are several green jackets in various sizes stored on site at Augusta National. As the tournament comes to a conclusion, employees begin to pull jackets in the sizes of the top players to have a correct sized green jacket ready for the winner.
For over 70 years, The Masters has captivated and enthralled us as golf’s best players and biggest names compete on the sport’s greatest stage. It’s a tradition unlike any other and the unofficial start of spring for golf fans nationwide. The 82nd Masters is here and is sure to leave an imprint on your Sunday!
[Stats courtesy of Masters.com]
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