Do Masters Winners Get A New Green Jacket Each Year?
The Masters Tournament, one of golf's most prestigious events, awards its champion a coveted green jacket. With the 2026 tournament underway this week, many fans are asking: Do winners receive a new jacket every time they win, or do they keep the same one?
The tradition dates back to 1949, when the first green jacket was awarded to Sam Snead. Winners do not receive a new jacket for each victory. Instead, they keep the original jacket they won, unless it no longer fits or requires replacement. The Augusta National Golf Club, which hosts the tournament, maintains strict control over the jackets.
This topic is trending today as the 2026 Masters enters its final rounds, sparking renewed curiosity about the event's storied traditions. Past champions like Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson have been seen wearing their original jackets during ceremonial appearances, reinforcing the jacket's symbolic value.
Augusta National members also wear green jackets, but theirs are distinct from those awarded to champions. Winners are allowed to take their jackets home for one year but must return them afterward, keeping them on-site unless granted special permission. The club's meticulous handling of the jackets adds to their mystique.
Public reaction to the tradition has been mixed, with some fans praising its uniqueness and others questioning its practicality. The green jacket remains one of sports' most recognizable symbols, and its legacy continues to captivate audiences during Masters week.