5 things to know about the prestigious Masters Green Jacket

Below, we share how this jacket has become golf’s most coveted prizes

While footballers long for the Fifa World Cup trophy and tennis players dream of raising the Wimbledon Trophy, golfers have their eyes on the Green Jacket. Although it’s not necessarily a trophy, the Green Jacket is a prestigious prize and one of the most iconic symbols in golf—and only an exclusive list of people can boast of having worn one.

Awarded to winners of the Masters Tournament, one of the biggest golf tournaments in the United States, the history of the Green Jacket dates back to when the Augusta National Golf Club was founded in the 1930s. The jacket was first worn by Augusta National Club members during the Masters Tournament, allowing them to be easily identified. Winners of the tournament would thus become honorary members of the club and informally awarded a jacket. The Green Jacket was only adopted as the official attire for champions in 1949. This year’s 2024 Masters Tournament saw Scottie Scheffler win his second Green Jacket, with his first being in 2022.

Read on below for some fun facts about this prestigious prize that you may not know of.

1. The Green Jacket comes in a specific shade

AUGUSTA, GA - APRIL 1956: Ken Venturi, Clifford Roberts and Bobby Jones, far right, watch as Jack Burke, Jr. receives a Green Jacket from Cary Middlecoff during the 1956 Masters Tournament Presentation Ceremony at Augusta National Golf Club in April 1956 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Augusta National/Getty Images)

Above Ken Venturi, Clifford Roberts and Bobby Jones, far right, watch as Jack Burke, Jr. receives a Green Jacket from Cary Middlecoff during the 1956 Masters Tournament Presentation Ceremony at Augusta National Golf Club (Photo: Augusta National/Getty Images)

The vibrant rye green jacket comes in the shade Pantone 342 and features the Augusta National Golf Club logo on the left chest. Custom brass buttons are also fitted onto the piece. The winner’s name is stitched inside the jacket.

2. The jacket was first worn by Sam Snead

AUGUSTA, GA - 1960's: Sam Snead in his Green Jacket portrait during a 1960's Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Augusta National/Getty Images)

Above Sam Snead in his Green Jacket portrait during a 1960's Masters Tournament (Photo: Augusta National/Getty Images)

Professional golfer Sam Snead was the first to be awarded the Green Jacket when it was officially adopted as a champion attire in 1949. Following this, Augusta National retroactively awarded these jackets to each former winner. Snead proceeded to win again in 1952 and 1954.

3. The champion will need to return the jacket

Ian Woosnam Receives The Green Jacket From Nick Faldo During The 1991 Masters Tournament (Photo by Augusta National/Getty Images)

Above Ian Woosnam receives the Green Jacket from Nick Faldo during The 1991 Masters Tournament (Photo: Augusta National/Getty Images)

Unfortunately, this special jacket will not go home with the winner—at least not forever. Green Jackets are kept on club grounds and cannot be removed from the premises. The Masters champion can take it home and return it at the next Masters Tournament. 1961 South African champion Gary Player was the exception to this rule as he brought the jacket back to his home country but forgot to return it the following year.

4. The Green Jacket is presented by the previous year’s winner

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 14: Scottie Scheffler of the United States is awarded the Green Jacket by 2023 Masters champion Jon Rahm of Spain during the Green Jacket Ceremony after Scheffler won the 2024 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 14, 2024 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Above Scottie Scheffler is awarded the Green Jacket by 2023 Masters champion Jon Rahm (Photo: Getty Images)

Traditionally, the winner of the previous year’s tournament would present the jacket to the new champion. However, in the case of a repeated winner, the jacket will be presented by the Masters chairman. Only three golfers have won consecutively: Jack Nicklaus in 1965 and 1966, Nick Faldo in 1989 and 1990 and Tiger Woods in 2001 and 2002.

5. Multiple-time winners are only awarded with one jacket

AUGUSTA, GA - 1960s: A Green Jacket Portrait of Jack Nicklaus at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Augusta National/Getty Images)

Above Jack Nicklaus with his Green Jacket (Photo: Augusta National/Getty Images)

While golfers can win the tournament multiple times, they will receive the same jacket during the ceremony. 17 golfers have won the tournament on multiple occasions, with Nicklaus having the most wins during his career.

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What you need to know about the prestigious Masters Green Jacket

1. The Green Jacket comes in a specific shade

2. The jacket was first worn by Sam Snead

3. The champion will need to return the jacket

4. The Green Jacket is presented by the previous year’s winner

5. Multiple-time winners are only awarded with one jacket