Why Golfers Wear Colored Ribbons: Green, Yellow & Pink Meanings on Tour
The Three Ribbon Colors and Their Meanings
- Green ribbon – Honors the Masters Tournament (Augusta National). Worn during Masters week or by past champions at any event.
- Yellow ribbon – Supports U.S. military personnel and veterans. Appears on PGA Tour players during designated “Military Appreciation” rounds.
- Pink ribbon – Raises awareness for breast cancer. Worn on specific tournament days, especially in October (Breast Cancer Awareness Month) and at LPGA events.
Each ribbon is voluntary. The color signals a specific cause or tradition, not a player’s personal affiliation with the event.
Green Ribbon – Masters Connection
The green ribbon mirrors the iconic green jacket awarded to Masters champions. Players, caddies, and officials wear it during Masters week (first full week of April) to signify the tournament’s prestige.
When you’ll see it: During the Masters itself, or at any PGA Tour event where a past champion participates as a tribute. For example, Tiger Woods has worn a green ribbon at events after his Masters wins.
Not a uniform rule – some players skip the ribbon; others pin it on their hat or left chest.
Common confusion: A green ribbon does not mean the player is sponsored by a green-branded company. It is always Masters-related.
Practical implication: If you spot a green ribbon outside of Masters week (e.g., in July), the player is likely a past champion showing respect. You can safely assume the tournament is not the Masters itself, but the gesture ties back to Augusta.
Verification step: Check the tournament date. The Masters is always the first full week of April. If the event is in April and you see green ribbons, it’s almost certainly Masters-related. For other months, look for the player’s career history – are they a past champion? That confirms the tribute.
Mismatch/limitation: A green ribbon worn at a non-PGA event (e.g., a charity exhibition) may not have the same Masters meaning. Some leagues or sponsors use green for their own branding. Always verify the context before assuming Augusta National.
Yellow Ribbon – Military Appreciation
PGA Tour players wear yellow ribbons as part of the “PGA Tour Military Appreciation Program.” The color is tied to the “Support Our Troops” campaign and is most visible on designated military appreciation days.
When you’ll see it: Usually on the Wednesday or Thursday of a tournament when the tour holds a formal military tribute. Some players keep the ribbon on throughout the week. For instance, at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, a military appreciation day is common in early February.
Not the same as yellow for LIV or other leagues – this is exclusive to PGA Tour’s partnership with military charities. LIV Golf uses yellow in its branding and team uniforms, which is unrelated to military support.
Practical implication: When watching a PGA Tour event, a yellow ribbon means the tournament is staging a military appreciation round. You can expect ceremonies, player tributes, and charity contributions. It does not indicate the player’s personal political stance.
Verification step: Look up the tournament’s schedule online. Most PGA Tour events publish a “Military Appreciation Day” announcement a week ahead. If the ribbon is yellow and the event page mentions military partners, the meaning is confirmed.
Mismatch/limitation: A yellow ribbon could be confused with a “support our troops” ribbon worn by non-golf celebrities. On the course, the only consistent meaning is PGA Tour military appreciation. However, LIV Golf players often wear yellow as part of their team colors – that is not a ribbon for a cause. If you see yellow on a LIV broadcast, check the logo or team name.
Pink Ribbon – Breast Cancer Awareness
Pink ribbons are worn for breast cancer awareness, most prominently throughout October. Many LPGA and PGA Tour players participate, and some tournaments rename a hole or a day as “Pink Out.”
When you’ll see it: October events, or on the final day of a tournament if a charity partnership is active. For example, the LPGA’s “Pink Ribbon” tournaments are held in late October. Male PGA players frequently wear pink ribbons, hats, or shirts during awareness weeks – Jason Day has been a notable participant.
Not limited to women’s golf – male players also show support.
Edge case: A pink ribbon may also appear at a tournament that benefits a specific breast cancer charity, regardless of the month. Check the event’s official charity partners.
Practical implication: If you see a pink ribbon during a tournament outside October, the event likely has a dedicated breast cancer charity tie-in. Expect fundraising activities and increased awareness messaging.
Verification step: Visit the tournament’s “Charity” page. Pink ribbons are almost always paired with a named beneficiary (e.g., Susan G. Komen). If no charity is listed, the ribbon may be a general awareness symbol rather than a direct donation driver.
Mismatch/limitation: Pink ribbons can be ambiguous on non-golf apparel. On tour, they are nearly always for breast cancer. But be aware that some players wear pink as a statement color not tied to a specific cause – look for other indicators like “Pink Out” signs or charity logos on the player’s bag.
How to Tell Which Ribbon Is Which in a Photo or Broadcast
| Ribbon Color | Likely Cause/Tournament | Check This First |
|---|---|---|
| Green | Masters (April) or past champion tribute | Is the tournament date near the first full week of April? |
| Yellow | Military appreciation (PGA Tour) | Does the event have a “Military Appreciation Day” mentioned in coverage? |
| Pink | Breast cancer awareness (any tour) | Is the month October, or is the tournament explicitly a charity event? |
If uncertain: Look at the player’s hat or left chest – the ribbon is often pinned there. The color is the main clue, but the context of the tournament week is the final decider. When in doubt, check the official PGA Tour schedule for that day.
Common Mistake to Avoid
Do not assume a colored ribbon indicates a player’s personal political or social stance. Green ribbons are a tradition, not a statement. Yellow and pink ribbons are cause-specific and temporary. The same player may wear different ribbons at different tournaments. Additionally, a ribbon color on a non-golf context (e.g., a fan in the crowd) may have a different meaning – always default to the tournament’s official cause.
FAQ
How many total putts were there at the Masters 2025?
The exact number of total putts for the Masters 2025 will be published after the tournament concludes. Historical data from past Masters shows a typical field total between 3,500 and 4,500 putts across all rounds. To get the final figure, check the official Masters website or PGA Tour stats after the final round.
What is the average putts per round at the Masters?
The average putts per round at Augusta National usually ranges from 28 to 32 for the field. That number can shift depending on course conditions, pin placements, and weather. Individual player averages vary widely; the tournament leader typically averages under 28 putts per round.
How much tax will Rory McIlroy pay?
Tax on a professional golfer’s winnings depends on the country of the tournament and the player’s residency. For PGA Tour events in the U.S., non-residents are subject to a 30% federal withholding tax on prize money, plus state taxes where the tournament is held (e.g., Florida has no state income tax, while California taxes up to 13.3%). McIlroy, a resident of Northern Ireland, has his U.S. winnings taxed according to U.S.–U.K. tax treaty rules. Exact figures vary each year; consult a tax professional for specific calculations.
Who urinated at the Masters yesterday?
No verified reports exist of any person urinating during the Masters. This appears to be a rumor or meme. The Masters is a high-profile event with strict spectator conduct rules. If an incident occurred, it would be covered by major golf media. At this time, there is no credible information to support the claim.
Colored ribbons on tour are a quick visual shorthand for tradition and charity. When you see one, check the tournament calendar and the ribbon color – you’ll know the story in seconds.
Michael Reeves is a PGA Professional with over 20 years of experience in competitive golf and instruction. A former Division I collegiate player at the University of Texas, he competed on the mini-tours before transitioning to full-time coaching and golf journalism. He has been a certified PGA teaching professional since 2005 and has worked with players at every level, from absolute beginners to collegiate champions.
His writing has appeared in Golf Digest, Golf Magazine, and The Left Rough. At GolfHubz, Michael leads the editorial team, overseeing fact-checking and ensuring every answer meets the same standard he demands on the lesson tee: clear, evidence-based, and immediately useful.
When he’s not writing or teaching, Michael plays to a +1.4 handicap at his home club in Austin, Texas. He has attended over 40 major championships as a journalist and fan, and has played more than 200 courses across 15 countries.
You can reach Michael at [email protected] or follow his occasional swing analysis posts on the site.