The Green Jacket at the US Masters: symbol of the golfing elite

The "Green Jacket", probably the most famous item of clothing in golf, also owes its existence to the identification of a special species. back in 1937, the club came up with the then unpopular idea - due to the thick woollen fabric - of dressing its vassals in green jackets so that they could be directly recognized and approached as members by spectators seeking information during the decisive phase of the tournament.

Since 1947, the three-button single-breasted jacket in "Masters Green" (Pantone 342) has been awarded as the winner's trophy at the US Masters along with a gold medal and a replica of the clubhouse in silver - including the right to play at Augusta National Golf Club for life. Back then, the great Sam Snead was the first professional to be celebrated in green. Jack Nicklaus has worn the special thread an unprecedented six times, as has Bernhard Langer twice, who is the only German to have won the US Masters to date.

Here you can find the leaderboard of the US Masters 2026.

The "Green Jacket" at the US Masters: the most famous piece of clothing in golf

The material from which this golfer's dream is made has long since become lighter. Today it is made of Australian wool fabric, takes a month to produce and costs 250 dollars as a made-to-measure garment. Hamilton Tailoring Company, the tailoring company in Cincinnati, has so much fabric in stock that there is enough for another 180 pieces. However, the ritual surrounding the "Green Jacket" has not changed. Twice on the final Sunday, the previous year's winner (the club chairman if he is defending his title) helps the current winner of the US Masters into the coveted jacket: First at a small ceremony in Butler's Cabin, one of the ten guest houses on the course. Then, according to old Traditions, in front of a large audience on the 18th green.

Rory McIlroy was last allowed to wear the green jacket for a year with all the hype surrounding him. The Northern Irishman now has to bring it with him again for Masters Week 2026: As a sign of belonging to the Masters winners' club, to assist his successor in the jacket and, last but not least, to preside over the Champions Dinner in it. From now on, the "Green Jacket" will remain in one of the personal lockers shared by the champions and will only be aired during the week of the tournament.

(Text: Michael Basche)