The green jacket is an iconic symbol of the Masters Tournament, one of the most prestigious golf tournaments in the world. Every year, the winner of the Masters is presented with a green jacket, and it has become a coveted prize in the golfing world. But when did the green jackets first appear, and how did they become such an important part of the tournament’s tradition?
The Masters Tournament was established in 1934 by golfing legend Bobby Jones and investment banker Clifford Roberts. The tournament was originally known as the Augusta National Invitation Tournament, and the first event was held in March 1934. The winner of the first tournament was Horton Smith, who was presented with a trophy and a cash prize of $1,500.
However, it was not until 1949 that the green jacket made its first appearance at the Masters. The story goes that members of Augusta National Golf Club, where the tournament is held, wanted a way to distinguish members from guests during the tournament. They decided to create a green jacket that would be worn by members of the club, and the idea soon evolved to include the tournament’s winners.
In 1949, the first green jacket was presented to Sam Snead, who won the tournament that year. However, it was not yet a tradition for the winner to keep the jacket. In fact, it was simply loaned to them for the duration of their reign as the Masters champion. It wasn’t until 1961 that the tradition of giving the green jacket to the winner to keep began.
Since then, the green jacket has become one of the most recognizable symbols in golf, and the Masters has become one of the most prestigious events in the sport. The jackets are made specifically for Augusta National Golf Club by the Hamilton Tailoring Company in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are made from a lightweight, breathable material and feature the Masters logo on the left chest.
The green jacket is more than just a symbol of victory at the Masters; it is also a symbol of membership in an exclusive club. Only members of Augusta National Golf Club are allowed to wear the green jacket on the club’s grounds, and the jacket has become a status symbol among golfers.
In conclusion, the green jacket first appeared at the Masters Tournament in 1949, when it was presented to the winner, Sam Snead. The tradition of giving the winner a green jacket to keep began in 1961, and since then, the jacket has become an iconic symbol of the tournament and membership in Augusta National Golf Club.
