Who put the green jacket on Jon Rahm? Tradition behind The Masters jacket explored
Jon Rahm received the iconic green jacket from 2022 Masters winner Scottie Scheffler. The traditional jacket is awarded to The Masters winner by the previous year's winner and if the golfer defends his title, he keeps it with him.
Jon Rahm won the 2023 Masters after defeating Brooks Koepka by four strokes. Koepka was in the lead for the first three rounds. Rahm began the final day four strokes behind the leader. He started the fourth round with a birdie on the third hole, while Koepka bogeyed the third hole, giving Rahm a better chance to take the lead. While Koepka bogeyed four of the first 12 holes, the Spaniard birdied two to overtake the LIV golfer.
Brooks Koepka made six bogeys and three birdies, while Jon Rahm finished the tournament with four birdies and a bogey to win his first green jacket.
The Masters' green jacket has a long history. It was first introduced in 1949 by the founders of the tournament, Clifford Roberts and Bobby Jones. It was originally made to be worn by Augusta's officials, to make them visible to visitors.
But later, Jones visited the Royal Liverpool Golf Club and learned that every club captain wore a red jacket. The golfer was impressed with the idea and introduced green jackets for the Masters' winner, as the color was chosen by Roberts.
Sam Snead became the first recipient of the green jacket and the tradition continued. Each year, the last year's champion placed the jacket on the new champion. Augusta also has a rule to return the jacket after one year.
Jon Rahm regains the World No. 1 title
Jon Rahm dethroned Scottie Scheffler from the No. 1 position in the Official World Golf Rankings. The 2023 Masters winner won the green jacket, a check for $3.2 million, and the World No. 1 title after claiming victory at the major tournament on Sunday.
Jon Rahm also joined Scheffler to become the only golfer since 1960 to earn their fourth title of the season at The Masters.
Jon Rahm was inspired by Seve Ballesteros during his game and mentioned him in an interview before the final round. Rahm stated:
“I’d like to think he’s up there watching and pulling for me. If there’s somebody who would have enough charisma to give me any help, it would be him.”
Rahm started the tournament with a double bogey on the first hole on Thursday. But quickly sank two birdies in the next two holes to be in the game. He made seven birdies and an eagle in the first round to wrap up with a score of 65 and took the lead alongside Brooks Koepka and Viktor Hovland.
On the second day, Rahm made five birdies and two bogeys to finish at 69 and he played the third round of 73. Jon Rahm's performance in the last round helped him win The Masters.
Phil Mickelson and Brooks Koepka settled for second position, while Jordan Spieth continued the tradition of top-5 finishes at The Masters and secured the fourth place alongside Patrick Reed and Russell Henley.