After his 2010 Masters victory, Phil Mickelson casually strolled into a drive-through donut shop wearing his newly earned Green Jacket. When asked why, he grinned and said, “It was a little chilly, so I figured, why not throw on the jacket to stay warm?” Guess he was a hole-in-one on comfort that day!

But away from high-end ease, it’s the ultimate symbol of golf achievement, and Rory McIlroy wore it after a career-long fight for it. So, how did the 2025 green jacket fit McIlroy? Too well! But the coveted Green Jacket comes with an unexpected catch. The Northern Irishman’s emotional Masters triumph completed his career Grand Slam, though he won’t be able to show off his prized possession to the old folks back home. Augusta National’s strict rules forbid it, creating a bittersweet situation for the newly crowned champion.

McIlroy’s emotional victory speech highlighted his desire to celebrate with his parents. “I can’t wait to celebrate with them,” he said tearfully during his Butler Cabin interview. His parents have supported his golf journey since he was a child. They even took out a second mortgage to fund his early career. Yet the green jacket that represents his greatest achievement won’t make the trip to Northern Ireland.

Augusta’s iron-clad green jacket rules prevent McIlroy from bringing it home

The Masters Tournament enforces some of the strictest traditions in sports. Champions can only keep their green jackets for one year. After that, the jacket must return to Augusta National permanently. It then stays in the Champions Locker Room, never to leave the premises again. McIlroy can only wear it when he returns to the club each year.

Augusta National doesn’t compromise on these rules. The club has vigorously protected its ownership rights through legal action. In 2017, they sued Green Jacket Auctions to block the sale of Byron Nelson’s 1966 champion jacket and two member jackets. The lawsuit explicitly stated that all green jackets remain club property regardless of who possesses them. Their stance is clear – winners have only “possessory rights” for one year.

The club’s enforcement extends to criminal investigations, too. When Arnold Palmer’s 1958 jacket was stolen, the FBI conducted a sting operation in 2022. According to the Chicago Tribune, they recovered it during a high-stakes sting involving “the stakeout of a Lincoln Park mansion, secretly recorded calls and two separate sting operations.” Richard Globensky, a former Augusta National warehouse employee, had orchestrated a 13-year scheme stealing Masters memorabilia worth over $5.4 million. He received a one-year prison sentence in March 2025. Such incidents reinforce Augusta’s determination to protect its traditions.

Rory McIlroy‘s parents will likely only see him in the jacket through video calls during his one-year possession period. The treasured garment won’t make the journey to Northern Ireland due to Augusta’s strict protocols. During his tearful Butler Cabin interview, McIlroy’s thoughts immediately turned to family. His father, Gerry, and mother, Rosie, sacrificed everything for his career, even taking out a second mortgage to fund his early golf dreams. After supporting their son through 17 years of Masters heartbreaks, they won’t get to touch or see the physical symbol of his greatest achievement. This bittersweet reality casts a shadow over an otherwise triumphant milestone in McIlroy’s storied career.

These strict ownership rules showcase Augusta National’s dedication to tradition. But where did this iconic green jacket tradition actually begin? The story is quite fascinating.

The history behind the green jacket tradition at Augusta National

The green jacket represents golf’s highest achievement. As legendary broadcaster Jim Nantz said, “If you win a green jacket, you have reached the highest level achievable in the game.” It’s not just a piece of clothing but a symbol connecting today’s champions with legends like Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, and Arnold Palmer.

The green jacket tradition has fascinating origins dating back to England. Bobby Jones, Augusta National’s co-founder, attended the 1930 Open Championship at Royal Liverpool. He noticed club captains wearing distinctive red jackets. This inspired him to create a similar tradition for his new club in Georgia.

Augusta members began wearing green jackets around 1937. The color choice matched the verdant surroundings of the former nursery grounds. Initially, the jackets served a practical purpose. They helped patrons identify members who could provide assistance or directions during tournaments. The tradition of awarding jackets to champions began in 1949 with Sam Snead. All previous winners were retroactively given jackets, too. The specific shade – Pantone 342, or “Masters green” – has become internationally recognizable. Each jacket takes about a month to produce at Hamilton Tailoring Co. in Cincinnati.

Then, a few decades later, in 1966, Jack Nicklaus became the first back-to-back Masters champion—but it created an awkward twist: who would help him into the Green Jacket? With no other champ to do the honors, Augusta legend Bobby Jones gave the nod for Nicklaus to slip it on himself, making it the most stylish self-jacket moment in golf history. That’s why, winning six times, the legend owns one Green Jacket.

But not everyone followed the rules throughout history. Gary Player, the first international Masters champion in 1961, famously refused to return his jacket. When chairman Clifford Roberts called demanding its return, Player replied: “Fine, Mr. Roberts. If you want it, come and fetch it!” One step ahead of Mickelson’s donut run! This incident led to stricter enforcement of the return policy.

McIlroy now joins the exclusive club of only 54 official Masters champions. While he can’t keep his green jacket forever, his name is permanently etched in golf history. The first-time winner dramatically completed his career Grand Slam. He stands alongside just five others who have achieved this remarkable feat.

Despite the restrictions, McIlroy’s victory remains monumental. The green jacket might stay at Augusta, but the glory of his win will travel with him forever. Will Augusta ever relax its strict policies on the green jacket tradition? Only time will tell. What do you think about these traditional restrictions? Let us know in the comments section below!