Winning the Masters brings lifelong bragging rights, but what happens to the iconic green jacket once the final putt drops? Many champions treat the jacket as a sacred keepsake rather than a fleeting souvenir.
Here is how past and present champions handle, preserve, and sometimes share the green jacket after claiming Augusta National glory.
| Champion | Year | Immediate Next Steps | Long Term Custody |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jack Nicklaus | 1972 | Wore it for tradition photos with family | Displayed in personal golf museum |
| Tiger Woods | 1997 | Held it aloft on the 18th green | Kept as centerpiece in home library |
| Jordan Spieth | 2015 | Wore jacket during winner's circle interview | Hanged in private study for yearly rotation |
| Hideki Matsuyama | 2021 | Hosted fan meetups in jacket on practice range | Stored in climate controlled display case |
The Tradition of the Green Jacket at Augusta National
Since 1934, the green jacket has symbolized membership in an elite golf community. Champions receive the jacket on Sunday at the 18th green and immediately understand its dual role as trophy and uniform.
While the crowd chants and cameras flash, the winner typically signs autographs, poses with officials, and shares brief remarks while still wearing the jacket.
Where Champions Keep It at Home
Most past champions choose to keep their green jacket rather than return it to Augusta National. The jacket often becomes a highlight in personal collections that visitors can admire.
Display methods vary from glass cases in climate controlled rooms to wall mounted hangers positioned near other career memorabilia. Some players rotate the jacket seasonally to preserve fabric color and fiber integrity.
Preservation and Care Best Practices
Because the wool blend is delicate, champions rely on careful handling to keep the jacket in museum quality condition. Direct sunlight, moisture, and heavy wear can all degrade the fabric over time.
Here are recommended steps for long term care that many champions follow after the final putt.
- Air out the jacket for several hours in a shaded, dry area after the tournament.
- Store flat or gently hang on a wide padded hanger to avoid creases.
- Use a lined garment bag to protect against dust and accidental snags.
- Schedule professional textile cleaning once every few years instead of frequent washing.
- Keep the jacket away from high traffic areas to limit handling and fading.
Public Appearances and Fan Engagement
Champions often bring the jacket into public life by wearing it for sponsor events, charity functions, and ceremonial openings. These appearances deepen fan connection and highlight the human side of elite golf.
Some players also use the jacket in educational settings, visiting golf academies or youth camps while still wearing or displaying it to inspire the next generation of players.
Legacy and Lasting Impact of the Green Jacket
The jacket outlives the week of the tournament and becomes a lasting symbol of discipline, composure, and achievement in golf history. Whether resting in a private closet or featured in a public museum, it continues to tell the story of a champion at Augusta National.
FAQ
Reader questions
Does the winner ever have to return the green jacket to Augusta National?
No, champions permanently keep their green jacket as a personal trophy and may display or store it wherever they choose.
Can the jacket be professionally cleaned without risking damage?
Yes, most champions schedule gentle textile cleaning every few years and avoid home washing to protect the fabric and maintain color.
How should the jacket be stored between public appearances?
Keeping it flat or on a wide padded hanger inside a lined garment bag prevents creases, snags, and unnecessary fading over time. Avoid extended exposure to sunlight, moisture, and crowded spaces to preserve the wool blend and keep the jacket in near original condition.