GREEN JACKET ENVY
Sunday, April 12, 2009
By Will Durst
2009 is the 60th anniversary of awarding a Green Jacket to the Masters champion, the most coveted loud clothing article in sports, unless you consider boxing belts to be an article of clothing. And even then. Those aren’t belts, they’re hubcaps. Members were the first to wear the vibrantly hued garment to identify themselves as trusty sources for tournament information back in 1937 during the fourth invitational. Sam Snead became the first golfer to receive one as a symbol of honorary club membership in 1949, when he won the first of his three Masters titles. But, no, he doesn’t have a closet full. And neither do Jack nor Tiger despite their 10 combined wins. Club policy states that multiple winners only receive one jacket unless their weight “drastically changes.” And you don’t know the self control it takes to resist making a joke here. The three-button, single-breasted, single-vented, most-desirable jacket in all of humanity features the Augusta National Golf Club logo on the left- chest pocket and the brass buttons. Champions are allowed to take the Rye Green coat for a year but then must return it to wear in the winner’s ceremony where the reigning champion helps the new champion into HIS jacket. Then it stays at the club, although visitation rights are granted. Now, as we speak, club officials are sorting through several jackets, trying to find ones to fit all possible winners for the end of the day’s presentation ceremony. And another jacket will go away. For a year. And then come back. Home. Patron Comments
