Calls Mount for Augusta National to Cancel 76-Year-Old Tradition as Donald Trump Sends Strong Message

Is a long-standing tradition on the brink of breaking? The hallowed Masters Green Jacket, brainchild of the great Bobby Jones, has its origins in 1937 when Augusta National members wore these for their easy identification for help or information. But it would take another 12 years before the tournament winners were presented the verdant green jacket; it was Sam Snead, who accepted it from the hands of Jones himself. Brooks Uniform Company used to make these back then, and although it might have been quite underwhelming for Snead to exhibit an inexpensive wool-polyester mix sample, 76 years later, that single item tops the most wanted list of every PGA Tour professional!

The Masters is perhaps the only golf tournament where purse money is not a concern for any golfer. All they want is that green jacket. CBS broadcaster Jim Nantz, for whom the 2025 Masters edition will be his 40th, pressed, “The jacket is emblematic of excellence in golf. If you win a green jacket, you have reached the highest level achievable in the game.” Naturally, we wouldn’t want to change any of that, right? But surprisingly, it has found itself in the middle of unexpected controversy—thanks, in no small part, to President Donald J. Trump.

In his Presidential message, Trump praised the tournament, echoing the iconic tagline coined and used by Nantz for many years, “The Masters is more than just a golf tournament — it’s a tradition unlike any other. Every April, Augusta National becomes the center of the golf world, bringing together players and fans across the globe to witness history in the making.

“As we watch the sport’s top players compete for the prestigious Green Jacket, we celebrate the skill, determination, and sportsmanship that make this tournament an enduring symbol of American pride.” Per tradition, the Green Jacket is presented to the winner each year by the last season’s winner, and past champions are allowed to wear it on the grounds of Augusta National Golf Club after their first year. If a player wins back-to-back titles, the Masters chairman takes on this honor. But like it or not, fans under the post want Augusta National to break with its years-old tradition and extend an honorary invitation to the former President. Here’s why.

Some fans think Trump takes part in the coveted ceremony, and for better or worse, even presents the green jacket to the winner.

Patrons deem Donald J. Trump presenting the green jacket as “historic”

Starting off strong with what one fan wrote, “Should consider presenting the jacket on Sunday.” Many were adamant about how this change in the ceremony would be historic. “It would be historic for a President to present the jacket on Sunday”, said one patron while the other wrote, “Should attend and give the green jacket to the winner on Sunday. It would be historic.”  

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While the change would be historic indeed, it would end what the golfers call a ‘neat’ moment. For Masters winners, the tradition of being photographed in the Green Jacket is a cherished experience, with images that become part of golf history. Mark O’Meara fondly recalls Tiger Woods placing the jacket on him in 1998, especially the outdoor presentation, which provides a picturesque backdrop for photos.

“When Tiger put the Green Jacket on me in Butler Cabin it was neat, but it was more special when he did it outside,” O’Meara said. “Those are a lot of the pictures that I have.” The golden-hour sunshine often adds to the magic, as seen in Jack Nicklaus’s 1986 win. Even in inclement weather, like in 2013 when Adam Scott won, the moment can still be captured in a unique and memorable way, such as the iconic photo of Scott with outstretched arms, facing photographers in the rain.

One fan wrote, “should go and present the green jacket to the winner on Sunday. Would be EPIC! First ever POTUS presenting it. 🔥 ⛳️ 🏌️‍♂️”, while many others were not in favor of this change and said, “Traditions and history matter. You don’t just erase it because you don’t agree with it.”  But what’s the story behind the iconic Green Jacket that patrons are getting defensive over?

The history of the Masters is rich and complex, with two competing origin stories surrounding the famous garment. One tale suggests that legendary golfer and co-founder Bobby Jones was inspired by the Red Jackets worn by captains at a dinner at Royal Liverpool, prompting him to propose a similar idea to his co-founder Clifford Roberts.

The duo agreed, and the Green Jacket was born. However, another theory suggests that Roberts introduced the Green Jackets as a way to identify club members from visitors, providing a practical solution to differentiate insiders from outsiders. While it’s unclear which story is true, both make sense, and the iconic jacket remains a coveted prize for golfers worldwide. So, do you also think Trump should have a part in the historic ceremony or should it stay the same? Let us know in the comments section below!