2011 Masters (Part III): History of the Green Jacket

2011 Masters (Part III): History of the Green Jacket

As we continue to gear-up for the 2011 Masters Tournament in April, let's take a step away from Augusta National and turn our attention towards perhaps one of the most sought-after prizes in all of golf: the Green Jacket golf business cards shirts.  Awarded to the winner of the Masters on an annual basis, this blazer has become as much of a symbol of golf excellence - not to mention as recognizable -- as the Claret Jug or the Ryder Cup.  Read on to learn more about this iconic piece of Major history: the Masters Tournament Green Jacket As previously stated, the Green Jacket is awarded on an annual basis to the winner of the Masters Tournament and is typically presented by the previous year's Masters Champion.  In the case of a Champion defending his crown in consecutive years, just as Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, and Tiger Woods have done, the Augusta National President assists the winner with donning his prize.  In addition to this prize, winners also receive a hearty portion of the overall money pool (set at $7.5 million total in 2011) and the Masters Trophy.  The jacket that players receive on the Final Sunday is actually owned by Augusta National Golf Club and therefore must be returned to the club by the Champion 12 months later.  Players will ultimately be granted a replica green jacket to commemorate their achievement and must wear the Green Jacket whenever he visits Augusta National in the future.Origins of the Green Jacket at Augusta National date back to 1937, when Masters Tournament officials declared that all past winners were to wear the jacket while on Augusta National's grounds as a means to distinguish themselves from the other club members and for spectators of the event Will Tiger Woods Surpass Nicklaus Record?.  In 1949, a new tradition of donning the Green Jacket was implemented to include all new Augusta National members of that year, which continues today on an annual basis.However, the idea behind the Green Jacket originates from traditions held long before Augusta National (and Bobby Jones, for that matter), even existed.