Masters' Green Jacket among Most Enduring of Traditions

Heller, Dick, The Washington Times (Washington, DC)

The first green jacket given to the winner of the Masters went to Sam Snead in 1949. A half-century later, it has become one of the most enduring traditions in sports - and, thankfully, one that won't be corrupted anytime soon.

Unless a lot of people in authority change their minds, you won't find green jacket knockoffs at Wal-Mart or Sports Authority. They are made and worn only by Masters champions and members of the Augusta National Golf Club.

And guess what - they aren't made anywhere near Georgia. Try Cincinnati, one-time home of baseball's Big Red Machine. Hamilton Tailoring Co. has done the honors for the past 33 years.

"It's a really big deal because of the tradition and prestige associated with owning one," said Hamilton chairman Ed Heimann, who declined to say how much it costs to manufacture …

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Publication information: Article title: Masters' Green Jacket among Most Enduring of Traditions. Contributors: Heller, Dick - Author. Newspaper title: The Washington Times (Washington, DC). Publication date: April 10, 2000. Page number: 8. © 2009 The Washington Times LLC. COPYRIGHT 2000 Gale Group.

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