What is the Gold Jacket in Golf

The gold jacket in golf is a distinctive symbol of achievement awarded to winners of specific prestigious golf tournaments, most notably the Volvo China Open. While less famous than the Green Jacket of The Masters, the gold jacket marks international golfing success and honors champions who reach the highest levels beyond traditional American tournaments.

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History and Significance of the Gold Jacket

 

The gold jacket tradition is rooted in celebrating outstanding golf accomplishments outside the well-known Augusta National Green Jacket legacy. The Volvo China Open awards a striking golden-yellow jacket to its champions, symbolizing their victory on the global circuit.

While the Green Jacket began as a membership symbol at Augusta National in 1937 and was first awarded to a tournament champion in 1949, the gold jacket represents success in key international tournaments. It reflects golf’s growing global appeal and the importance of worldwide competitions in recognizing the sport’s top performers.

Gold Jacket Versus Green Jacket

Though both jackets symbolize excellence in golf, their roles differ:

• Green Jacket: Awarded to Masters Tournament winners since 1949, it signifies honorary membership to Augusta National and is steeped in tradition. Only the reigning champion may take the jacket off the club grounds temporarily.

• Gold Jacket: Given at tournaments like the Volvo China Open, it symbolizes victory in significant international events. Unlike the Green Jacket, it is a permanent prize that winners keep and often wear during celebratory events.

These jackets belong to different narratives within golf: the Green Jacket for one of golf’s most historic tournaments, and the Gold Jacket, highlighting international champions.

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Cart Path Ripstop Jacket

Description (Cart Path Ripstop Jacket):

Fabrication:

A throwback layer made from 100% wool with a soft, vintage feel. Button-down front for easy styling, and a small reminder embroidered on the back.

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• Fabrication: 100% Wool

• Button-down design

• Embroidered logo and mascot on the front

• Embroidered Caption on the back

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Other Golf Champion Jackets

Beyond the Green and Gold Jackets, golf tournaments sometimes award unique jackets to winners, such as:

• The RBC Heritage’s former gold jacket, replaced by a tartan plaid design.

• The PGA Grand Slam of Golf, which once awarded a pink jacket during its run.

• Various colorful or patterned jackets in European tournaments reflect local heritage and event identity.

These jackets commemorate triumphs and create memorable symbols of achievement in golf’s rich tradition.

FAQ

What tournaments award the gold jacket in golf?

The gold jacket is best known as the prize for the Volvo China Open winner and occasionally other international events, symbolizing global golfing excellence rather than membership in a single club.

How did the tradition of awarding jackets in golf begin?

Golf jackets started as club identifiers in British golf culture, evolving into symbols of tournament victories, most famously with the Green Jacket at Augusta National beginning in 1937.

Do winners keep the gold jacket permanently?

Yes, unlike the Green Jacket which remains at Augusta National except temporarily with the champion, gold jackets are permanent awards that winners keep as trophies of their success.

Why is the gold jacket less famous than the green jacket?

The Green Jacket is closely tied to the prestigious Masters Tournament, one of golf’s most historic events. The Gold Jacket, while important, is tied to fewer and newer international tournaments and thus is less widely recognized.

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