Why do Masters caddies wear white jumpsuits? When did tradition begin?

Caddies are always easy to spot in a professional golf tournament: they're the ones carrying the bags that can weigh 40 pounds or more.

But the caddies at the Augusta National Golf Club during the week of the Masters Tournament are even more recognizable, with their gleaming white jumpsuits they are required to wear every moment they're on the course or the practice areas with their player.

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How did the Masters caddy white jumpsuits evolve?

Like most Masters Tournament traditions, the white jumpsuits that caddies wear started with Augusta National Golf Club co-founder Clifford Roberts.

When the Masters first began in 1934, caddies wore shirts and slacks and weren't much different from the casual attire patrons wore. Roberts pushed for something with more uniformity.

The club came up with the jumpsuits, plus a green Masters hat.

Tom Lamb, caddie for Lucas Glover of the United States lines up a putt on the eighth green during the final round of the 2024 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 14, 2024 in Augusta, Georgia.

Some call them coveralls but the club prefers the term "jumpsuits."

Roberts wanted white to stand out against the emerald-green landscape of Augusta National. The club's emblem is over the left breast and a number is on the right side, denoting the player number.

The defending champion is No. 1. All other players are issued numbers based on when they checked into the club that week. As an aside, the number also appears on the first tee next to the player's name when his group starts each day.

What is the material of the caddie jumpsuits?

According to masters.com, the material was much like the clothing worn by house painters. Which is to say, heavy-duty and hot, when the weather turned warm.

Materials have changed over the years and the jumpsuits are now a polyester and cotton blend.

Hideki Matsuyama of Japan and caddie Shota Hayafuji walk off the 18th green after finishing their round during the second round of The Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on April 08, 2022 in Augusta, Georgia.

Wearing the jumpsuits are not an option. Fanny Sunesson, who caddied for Nick Faldo and Henrik Stenson in the Masters, rolled the legs of her coveralls up to just below the knees, and was apparently allowed that bit of rebellion by the club.

Speaking of that, how often have women caddied at the Masters?

The first recorded instance was in 1983 when 1969 champion George Archer used his daughter, Elizabeth Archer Klein, as his caddie. There have been numerous instances since, including Nikki Stricker (for her husband Steve Stricker) and Helen Story (for her boyfriend Lee Westwood).

Fanny Sunesson (left) has caddied for two players in the Masters, Henrik Stenson (right) and Nick Faldo. She was on Faldo's bag when he won his third Masters title in 1996.

To date, only Sunesson among female caddies has worked for a player who won the Masters.

When were players allowed their own caddies?

For the first 48 years of the Masters, players had to use the caddies employed by the club, who were all African American. It wasn't until 1983 that players could bring their own caddies.

Many players continued to use Augusta National caddies. Jack Nicklaus won five of his six green jackets with Willie Peterson. Arnold Palmer won all four of his Masters with Nathaniel "Iron Man" Avery. And Ben Crenshaw continued to employ Carl Jackson through 2015, winning both of his Masters titles together.

The definitive history of the Augusta National caddies can be found in the book, "The Legendary Caddies of Augusta National," by former Augusta Chronicle sports editor Ward Clayton. The book was then used as the primary source for a Netflix documentary, "Loopers: The Caddies Long Walk," which was narrated by Bill Murray.

Coveralls have added to Par 3 Contest fun

The white jumpsuits have had the perhaps unintended consequence of adding more fun to the Par 3 Contest.

Brian Harman and his sons, Walter and Cooper, walk the fifth hole during the Par 3 Contest prior to the 2024 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 10, 2024 in Augusta, Ga.

Players began using their wives, sisters and even mothers as caddies for the Wednesday tournament, since they only had to carry "shag bags" with a few clubs. Players began using their children, and now the club makes coveralls for toddlers who come along for the fun and add an undeniable cuteness factor to the proceedings.

Can a caddie keep his jumpsuits?

Only the winning caddie is allowed to keep his jumpsuits but he must leave them at Augusta National upon departing. The caddie must then send a letter to the club requesting the coveralls, and they will be sent by mail.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Masters Tournament: Why are caddies wearing white jumpsuits?