The green jacket is awarded to the winner of the PGA's Masters Tournament, held the first full week of April at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. The green jacket is one of the most recognizable awards in sports. But many fans don't fully appreciate the history and tradition behind it.
The custom of the green jacket originated in 1937. Members of the Augusta National Golf Club wore the sport coats so that tournament attendees could easily spot them to ask questions. It also told club waiters who would be picking up the check at dinner.
The jacket soon became official attire worn by club members while on the club grounds during the tournament. Whenever an individual wins the Masters, he becomes an honorary member of Augusta and is given a green jacket. The winner can keep the jacket for one year before returning it to the clubhouse. He must also wear it whenever he visits the club. The first green jacket was awarded to Sam Snead in 1949.
The presentation of the green jacket takes place inside the Butler Cabin immediately after the tournament, and is repeated near the 18th hole for spectators. Tournament officials select several jackets during the final round based on the leaders. The winner's measurements are taken later so a custom green jacket can be tailored. Hamilton Tailoring Co. of Cincinnati has made the jackets since 1967.
The previous year's winner presents the jacket to the current winner, but occasionally a player wins in consecutive years. Jack Nicklaus was the first, winning the Masters in 1965 and 1966. He put the jacket on himself. Nick Faldo (1989) and Tiger Woods (2002) are also repeat winners. The chairman of the Augusta National did the honors on these occasions.
The green jacket is a symbol of prestige as big as any in the world of sports, and those who earn it wear it proudly. Charl Schwartzel is this year's Masters champion, and PGA fans anxiously wait to see if he can repeat in 2012.