The real reason why jackets for winners of the Masters are green could surprise fans
A total of 47 golfers have received a green jacket for winning the Masters Tournament - and the real reason why might surprise fans.
Rory McIlroy enters the fourth and final day of the 2025 Masters holding a two-shot clubhouse lead on 12-under-par.
Chasing him is Bryson DeChambeau, with a victory for either player guaranteeing that a 48th different name will receive a green jacket.
In McIlroy's case, success at Augusta would finally complete a career grand slam - winning all four majors - with his last major victory having been all the way back in 2014.
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In the modern era, only Tiger Woods and Ben Crenshaw have previously gone 11 years between winning majors.
The green jacket is unique to Augusta National, having been introduced back in 1949.
Its first recipient was Sam Snead, the joint-most successful golfer of all-time in terms of PGA Tour wins (82) and a player widely regarded to have the best swing in history.
Snead won $2,750 for his success - compared to today's sum of $4.2 million on offer to the winner - and received a jacket that would later become synonymous with golf.
Its introduction dates back to 1937, when members at Augusta National were asked to wear a distinct shade of green so that, if required, patrons of the course could approach them to ask for key information about the tournament.
Amateur golfer Bobby Jones - who founded the Masters tournament - had received a red jacket after winning the 1930 Open Championship at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club.
Rather than being a specific prize for winning the event, Jones received the jacket after agreeing with club captain Kenneth Stoker that he would receive Stoker's red jacket if he won.
Jones decided that he wanted to implement the same tradition at Augusta, with every member wearing matching jackets.
The colour green was eventually chosen, as it matched the colour of the fairways and greens on the Augusta National course.
It wasn't until 1949 when the winner began to receive their own jacket - which is locked away in a special vault during the rest of the year that is only allowed to be opened on the week of the Masters Tournament.
The only exception to the rule is that the reigning champion is allowed to wear the jacket during his reign as Masters champion.
Therefore, if 2024 victor Scottie Scheffler cannot - as appears likely - claw back a seven-shot deficit to McIlroy on the final day in Augusta, his jacket will return to the vault, safe until next year's event gets underway.
Topics: Golf
Ryan Smart