Rory McIlroy Shows Off Green Jacket at Wimbledon

McIlroy made history in April as only the fourth player to successfully defend his title at Augusta National. Since then, he’s made an effort to play a reduced schedule to focus primarily on majors, making scouting trip to Royal Birkdale ahead of the Open Championship in two weeks’ time.

Masters champions are allowed to take their green jacket off property for a year, though each public appearance requires approval from Augusta National. Additionally, champions cannot be photographed with alcohol while wearing the jacket.

The team stayed to watch as Novak Djokovic made quick work of Stefanos Tsitsipas in three sets. 

Djokovic praised the Ryder Cup team, many of whom continue to compete at golf’s highest level late into their careers.

“I feel very privileged to be walking out on the court at age 30 plus,” he said. “I don’t think it’s a cliche and I believe it’s actually true. Age is just a number and a few people that know something about that are right in the Royal Box.”

Wearing a white blazer of his own, Djokovic called out McIlroy in particular, issuing a playful challenge to the Masters champion.

“I want that jacket,” he said. “I’ll play you. This jacket for that jacket.”

He already has the sport in mind, too.

“We’ll play tennis! No golf.”