The Masters Tournament is not just about golf; it’s about history, prestige, and the traditions that make Augusta National one of the most revered golf courses in the world. Among these traditions are two of the most iconic elements of the tournament: the Green Jacket and the Champions Dinner. But how did these traditions begin, and what do they mean today? Let’s take a closer look.
The Green Jacket: More Than Just a Piece of Clothing
The Green Jacket is arguably the most recognisable prize in golf. Unlike other major championships that award trophies or medals, The Masters gives its winner an honour they can wear.
The Origins of the Green Jacket
- The tradition dates back to 1937, when Augusta National members wore green jackets to distinguish themselves from patrons during the tournament.
- In 1949, the club decided to extend this tradition to the tournament champion, with Sam Snead being the first to receive one.
Rules & Traditions of the Green Jacket
- The champion is allowed to wear the jacket off the course for one year, but after that, it must remain at Augusta National.
- The previous year’s winner has the honour of presenting the Green Jacket to the new champion in Butler Cabin.
- There’s only one exception—Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Gary Player have special permission to keep theirs due to their legendary status.
The Champions Dinner: A Feast of Champions
Another special Masters tradition is the Champions Dinner, held each Tuesday before the tournament. It’s a private gathering for past winners, and a chance for golf’s greatest players to come together.
How It Started
- The tradition was introduced by Ben Hogan in 1952, who invited all past champions to a dinner before the tournament.
- Since then, every Masters winner is invited for life and shares a meal in the Augusta National clubhouse.
The Defending Champion Chooses the Menu
- The most exciting part? The defending champion selects the entire menu for the night!
- Some winners go all out with their country’s cuisine—Tiger Woods famously chose cheeseburgers and milkshakes in 1998, while Hideki Matsuyama served Japanese Wagyu beef in 2022.
- If a guest doesn’t like the champion’s selections, a standard Augusta National menu is available.
The 2025 Champions Dinner Menu
This year, the reigning champion, Scottie Scheffler, will host the dinner and has curated a menu that reflects his Texan roots and personal experiences. Here's what will be served at the 2025 Champions Dinner:
Appetisers:
- "Scottie-Style" cheeseburger sliders
- Firecracker shrimp
- **"Papa Scheff’s" meatball and ravioli bites
First Course:
- Texas-style chilli with cheddar cheese, jalapeños, and corn chips
Main Course (choice of):
- Wood-fired cowboy ribeye steak
- Blackened redfish
Accompanied by family-style sides:
- Macaroni and cheese
- Jalapeño creamed corn
- Soy-glazed Brussels sprouts
- Chipotle-lime roasted sweet potatoes
Dessert:
- Warm chocolate chip skillet cookie with vanilla bean ice cream
This menu pays tribute to Scheffler’s Texas upbringing, and some of the dishes even have personal significance. For instance, the "Papa Scheff’s" meatball and ravioli bites were inspired by a memorable holiday incident when Scheffler injured his hand while attempting to make homemade ravioli. A true personal touch to the evening! (Source: pgatour.com, nypost.com)
A Tradition Unlike Any Other
Both the Green Jacket and the Champions Dinner reflect what makes The Masters so special—history, respect, and exclusivity. These traditions have turned Augusta National into hallowed ground, where legends are made, and history is written year after year.
As we look forward to the 2025 Masters, we can be certain that these timeless traditions will continue to shape the experience for players and spectators alike.