Why do the Masters wear green jackets?

The Masters Tournament, which takes place every year in the first week of April, is the first major of the year and one of the four major championships in men's professional golf. The Masters has always been hosted by the Augusta National Golf Club, a private course in Augusta, Georgia. The tournament is rich in tradition, with the Green Jacket being its most famous symbol. First awarded in 1949, the jacket is given to the winner, who must return it to the clubhouse after a year, though it remains their personal property. A champion who wins multiple times retains their original jacket unless a new one is needed.

The Masters also features several long-standing customs. The Champions Dinner, introduced by Ben Hogan in 1952, is an exclusive event held on Tuesday before the tournament, attended only by past champions and Augusta National board members. On Wednesday, a Par-3 contest is held on a short course within Augusta National, offering a lighthearted beginning to the event. Since 1963, the tournament has opened with an honorary tee shot, where former champions strike the ceremonial first shot, marking the start of the event.

The Masters Tournament's green jacket

The green jackets of the Masters Tournament champions are one of its most iconic attributes. It began as a tradition in 1937 but was given unofficially. According to the Augusta Chronicle, Clifford Roberts initially intended for the green jacket to serve as a way to identify club members as "reliable sources of information" to visiting non-members. It all changed in 1949, when Sam Snead won the Masters, and in order to make him an honorary member of the organization, a green jacket was given. This made green jackets official for every champion in the coming years and thus it was given to every previous champion as well.

After 1949, Sam Snead, the then-winner, the first official bearer of the green jacket. Even then, it was given to make him an honorary member of the organization. Thus, the tradition goes on, making every champion a member. The Masters website claims that the design consists of a single vent and a three-button, notch lapel. They are manufactured in the United States, have a tropical wool fabric, and have the color Masters Green. Each jacket features an embroidered patch with the Augusta National emblems on the left breast pocket, as well as gold buttons that are imprinted with the logo.

Interestingly, the winner does not keep the jacket they get on the night of their win. According to Golf's official website, they get fitted right away and receive the new one later. To complete the ceremony, the club will choose a few jackets that might fit the eventual champion to wear at the moment. Jackets are stored on club property, and it is not permitted to take them outside, with only one exception to rule and that is the "present" champion, who gets to take it home and return after one year.

Being one of the benchmark instances in 1962, Gary Player unintentionally took the green jacket back home to South Africa after winning. He said, "I didn’t know you were supposed to leave it there.” Later, the jacket was retrieved. Another exception to the rule was made in 2015, when professional golfer and 1970 Masters champion Billy Casper passed away. His wife, Shirley, sought permission from Augusta National to bury him wearing his jacket. (via Augusta Chronicle)

At the conclusion of the event, it is customary for the winner of the previous year to give the jacket to the new champion. But, in case of back-to-back wins, the chairman of the Masters gives them. Such an event took place for the first time in 1966 with Jack Nicklaus, followed by Nick Faldo in 1990 and most recently with Tiger Woods in 2002. (via Augusta Chronicle)

Is there a dress code at the Masters Tournament?

According to the official website of the Masters Tournament, certain guidelines are available for the patrons, which say, “Appropriate clothing/shoes should be worn at all times. Golf shoes with metal spikes are not permitted.”

Here, "appropriate" refers to the following: pants or khaki shorts go well with a t-shirt or collared shirt on men. Sunglasses and a golf cap. Women in pants or fitted shorts with a loose-fitting shirt or blouse. For both men and women, tennis shoes, loafers, and sneakers are excellent options for footwear. Younger children can dress in whatever golf-themed clothing is readily accessible on the market, while older youngsters should do the same as adults.