[Masters] "The History of the Green Jacket"... Who Is This Year's Champion?

Jones, Founder of the Masters, Created for Members in 1937; Awarded to Champions Starting with Snead's 1949 Victory

Tiger Woods (right) being dressed in the 'Green Jacket' by 2018 champion Patrick Reed at last year's Masters victory. Getty Images/Multibits

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] 'Green Jacket.'

The Masters, known as the "Battle of the Masters," awards the 'Green Jacket' instead of a trophy to the winner. Sam Snead (USA, 1949) was the first recipient. Augusta National Golf Club sent jackets to champions before 1948 for their personal collection. Bobby Jones (USA), the "King of Golf" who founded the Masters, was inspired by the red jackets worn by captains during his visit to the Royal Liverpool Golf Club in England and created the jacket for members in 1937. Initially, it was used to distinguish between organizers and patrons (gallery).

Later, a unique tradition developed where the previous year's champion helps the new winner put on the jacket. The "old golf emperor" Jack Nicklaus (USA) wore the Green Jacket alone after successfully defending his title in 1966, after some hesitation. During the back-to-back wins of Nick Faldo (England, 1989-1990) and Tiger Woods (USA, 2001-2002), the Augusta National chairman assisted. Champions keep the jacket for one year and then return it to be permanently displayed in the "Champions Locker Room."

There is a special guideline advising, "Do not wear it in crowded places such as restaurants and movie theaters whenever possible." However, players often roam around wearing the Green Jacket, enjoying the joy of victory. Phil Mickelson visited a donut shop right after his 2010 win, Bubba Watson went to a waffle shop in 2014, and Patrick Reed (all USA) caused a stir by ordering a hamburger at the Chick-fil-A Woodland, Texas location in 2019.

The Green Jacket has been exclusively supplied since 1967 by Hamilton Tailoring in Ohio, USA. The design remains the same as the original, with three buttons. After the third round, several jackets are prepared to fit the body shapes of players in contention, and the award ceremony is held after the final fourth round. Later, precise measurements are taken to complete a custom-made jacket. Made from Australian wool, the production cost is only $250 (about 280,000 KRW).

Interestingly, the auction price has reached as high as $682,000 (760 million KRW). This was for Horton Smith (USA), the inaugural champion in 1934. He was a "golf legend" who won his second title just two years later in 1936. The jacket disappeared for decades before reappearing with a story of being kept in a relative’s closet. Since 1993, champions have been given a clubhouse-shaped trophy upon request. Arnold Palmer’s (USA) trophy, who passed away in September 2016, sold for $444,000 (500 million KRW). This year, Woods is pursuing his sixth Green Jacket collection.

Since 1993, the Masters has created a clubhouse-shaped trophy upon the winner's request. Photo by Getty Images/Multivitz

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