Sergio Garcia does not get to keep his green jacket for winning the Masters
Amy Sancetta/AP
In 2017, Sergio Garcia won one of the most prized awards in sports — the Masters green jacket.
Garcia must return the jacket to Augusta National before this year's tournament, where it will remain unless he defends his title.
Most players who win the Masters multiple times only received one jacket, unless they significantly changed sizes.
Sergio Garcia won his first career major in thrilling fashion at the 2017 Masters, beating Justin Rose in an epic duel over the final five holes to win the Masters.
While everybody was gunning to win the green jacket, there is a little-known fact about the most sought-after prize in golf — the winner doesn't get to keep the jacket. Instead, they do get a trophy, a replica one at that.
According to the Masters media guide, Garcia will have to return his green jacket to Augusta National Golf Club before this year's tournament, where it will remain unless he wins again.
If Garcia ever does win the Masters again, Augusta National will likely present him with the same jacket. According to the media guide, "multiple winners will have only one green jacket unless his size drastically changes."
Garcia will not be empty-handed. He does get to keep a replica of the Masters trophy, which includes the names of every winner and runner-up, as well as a 3.4-inch-diameter gold medallion.
Rob Carr/Getty Images
Winners do get to wear their green jacket whenever they are on the grounds of Augusta National, but after the first year, that is the only place it can be worn.
In other words, it is like they have become members of Augusta National.
Here is a look at the medallion Gene Sarazen won in 1950.
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Gene Sarazen's 1950 #Masters medallion has popped up on @GolfReddit and the story behind it is INSANE - https://t.co/oQwnHiTfDX pic.twitter.com/A8yunGwXWW
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