Who Presents the Green Jacket if the Masters Champion Defends?
Augusta, Ga. — The Masters green jacket ceremony follows strict traditions. The procedures change when the defending champion wins again.
Standard presentation
The winner normally receives the green jacket from the previous champion. Ceremony moments are broadcast from Butler Cabin. A second presentation follows outside for members and patrons.
Who presents the jacket if the champion defends?
Tournament custom calls for the club chairman to present the jacket when a defending champion repeats. That protocol prevents a champion from dressing himself for the televised ritual.
Historical precedents
- 1966 — Jack Nicklaus successfully defended his title. He placed the jacket on his own shoulders while chairman Clifford Roberts stood nearby.
- 1990 — Nick Faldo repeated. Chairman Hord Hardin put the jacket back on Faldo.
- 2002 — Tiger Woods won again. Chairman Hootie Johnson performed the presentation.
Recent context
Rory McIlroy was the defending champion after the 2025 tournament. A photo credit lists Ben Jared/PGA TOUR via Getty Images showing him wearing the jacket that year.
Entering the final round in 2026, McIlroy shared the lead at 11-under. Six players were separated by three shots, setting up a close finish.
Outcome and significance
On April 12, 2026, McIlroy completed a successful title defense. He joined Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, and Tiger Woods as back-to-back Masters winners.
With that repeat, the chairman’s role in the green jacket ceremony again became a focal point of discussion among fans and media at Filmogaz.com.
Reporting by Will Gray for Filmogaz.com.
