A brief history of the Green Jacket awarded at the Augusta National to Masters Winner, facts..

The Green Jacket awarded to the Masters champion each year is one of the most iconic symbols in sports.

The tradition has its roots dating back to the founding of Augusta National Golf Club, when Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts decided that Augusta National members should wear brightly colored blazers at the 1937 Masters so that patrons would easily know whom to ask if they needed assistance.

After winning the Masters in 1949, Sam Snead received a Green Jacket and an honorary membership at Augusta, beginning the traditional ceremony that continues today in which the tournament winner is presented his Green Jacket by the previous year's champion.

Can the Green Jacket leave the grounds of Augusta National?

Only the reigning Masters champion is permitted to wear the Green Jacket outside of Augusta National. In the tradition of the Stanley Cup and other iconic sports trophies, the Masters champ can travel freely with his Green Jacket in a year-long celebration of his victory.

However, once his reign is over, the jacket remains in the Champions Locker Room at Augusta National until it can be worn again for ceremonial occasions -- such as the Green Jacket presentation or the annual Champions Dinner.

Masters Winner Green Jacket details

The official color of the Augusta National blazer is Masters Green (Pantone 342). The design is "classically American," according to the Masters website, a three-button, notch lapel with a single vent. Each jacket is made of tropical wool, with gold buttons embossed with the Augusta National logo, and an embroidered patch with the logo on the left breast pocket.

The Green Jacket has evolved slightly over the years, but its overall design very closely resembles the original ones worn by Bobby Jones, Clifford Roberts and the first club members.

5 Facts about the Masters Winner Green Jacket:

1. The green jacket symbolizes membership to Augusta National Golf Club and victory in the Masters Tournament.

2. It was first awarded to the tournament winner in 1949.

3. The jacket is tailored specifically for each winner and kept in their size at Augusta National.

4. Winners can keep the jacket for a year and wear it during visits to the club.

5. The design of the jacket has remained largely unchanged since its inception.

What does the Masters green jacket mean?

— The green jacket is the ultimate symbol of success in golf. A golfer wearing the single-breasted, single-vent garment has achieved something special: a victory at the Masters Tournament. Augusta National Golf Club members began wearing the jackets in 1937.

Do Masters winners get to keep the green jacket?

After a year, each jacket is kept permanently in the Champions Locker room and only worn during Masters Week, strictly within the confines of Augusta National's clubhouse. In a recent change, however, winners are now presented with a replica jacket they may keep.

Who has won the Masters Green jacket?

Who has won the most green jackets? Jack Nicklaus, the sport's all-time leading major winner with 18, has won the most Masters Tournaments with six victories. He is followed by Tiger Woods (5) and Arnold Palmer (4).

What happens to the green jacket after the Masters?

Sam Snead was the first Masters champion to be awarded the green jacket after he took his first Masters title in 1949. The green jacket is only allowed to be removed from the Augusta National grounds by the reigning champion, after which it must remain at the club.

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