The Masters 2026: Why are green and white jackets worn at Augusta National?

The use of green jackets and white outfits will be apparent throughout the 2026 Masters weekend at Augusta National.

The green jacket is a famous part of the competition and is awarded to the winner of the Masters at the end of the weekend in a special televised ceremony.

The 2026 Masters winner will be given the jacket by 2025 winner Rory McIlroy after the close of play on Sunday. The only exception is that if McIlroy himself wins it, in which case he will be given a green jacket from the chairman of Augusta National.

More commonly seen throughout the weekend will be the white outfits, worn by all caddies.

The outfit consists of a white jumpsuit with a green Masters-branded cap and a pair of white tennis shoes.

All caddies will have the surname of player they are caddying for on the back of their jackets, as well as a number.

In 2026, McIlroy's caddie will wear number one due to being the defending champion.

After that, caddies are given numbers based on the order in which they registered for the tournament.

Steeped in tradition, the green jacket was first awarded in 1949 following Sam Snead's Masters victory.

The ceremonial awarding of the green jacket each year takes place in the Butler Cabin shortly after the tournament ends.

The same ceremony is later replicated out on the course in front of the patrons.

Winning the Masters grants winners lifetime entry into the tournament and also previously included lifetime membership at Augusta.

The idea came from club co-founder Clifford Roberts who said he wanted members to be easily identifiable to patrons attending the event.

There are a number of rules around the use of the green jacket and where it can be worn.

Previous winners must wear green jackets around the Augusta National clubhouse areas during Masters weekend.

The winner of the Masters is allowed to take their jacket out of Augusta National for the year they are the reigning champion, but must return it to Augusta in time for next year's tournament.

In 1962, South African Gary Player accidentally took his green jacket home after winning it in the previous year.

The jackets are also worn by all attendees of the Champions' Dinner that takes place on the Tuesday prior to the start of each year's Masters.

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