'Something I'll never forget': Aiken County resident receives Green Jacket Award of Excellence

Apr. 17—Stacey Whittle, an Aiken County resident who has worked at Augusta National Golf Club since 2016, received a very special honor at this year's Masters Tournament.

Whittle, director of facilities and engineering at Augusta National, was selected from the club's employees for the Green Jacket Award of Excellence.

The winner participates in the outdoors green jacket ceremony following the conclusion of the Masters.

Whittle's department is responsible for all the major utilities used at the club — power, water and gas — plus so much more.

"Facilities and engineering touches every part of this campus," Whittle said in a video posted on masters.com. "We take care of all the painting. We also install all of the scoreboards and TV towers for the Masters Tournament.

"Most of the time we are the last ones to touch something going on course for the tournament, so it's important we are very detail oriented."

Whittle and his crew are on call 24/7 for the nine days of competition at Augusta National, which includes the Augusta National Women's Amateur,; Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals; and the Masters.

"What we have to do to support the tournament, and knowing that we are contributing to the tournament being successful, that's our goal," he said. "That's what we are here for."

His team is committed to making the tournament the best it can be, he said.

"When I come to work I do the very best that I can. I expect that out of myself and also expect that out of my team," he said. "If we're all firing on all cylinders and everyone is doing their part, that's what it's going to take to be successful."

Whittle found out he was this year's selection for the award at a staff meeting prior to the tournament.

"I was very shocked to learn I was going to be the one receiving it," he said. "But very honored at the same time."

After Rory McIlroy won the 2026 Masters to become just the fourth repeat winner in tournament history, the green jacket ceremony was held on the practice putting green.

Fred Ridley, chairman of Augusta National and the Masters, recognized Whittle in his remarks.

"Our sincere thanks to Augusta National's incredible employees in their efforts and dedication," Ridley said. "They are represented today by Stacey Whittle, the recipient of our Green Jacket Award of Excellence. Thank you, Stacey."

Whittle, with the green jacket folded over his left arm, stepped forward and presented the garment to Ridley. He then helped McIlroy put on the iconic jacket that signifies success at Augusta National.

"Little nervous about handing the jacket to Chairman Ridley," Whittle said before the ceremony. "But very excited at the same time. To be able to do that, that's something I'll never forget."