08/17/2021
Joey Hernandez
Brown Jacket Masters
Commissioner
1997 & 2020 Champion
San Diego CA
8/7/2021
GREETINGS GENTLEMEN OF THE BROWN JACKET--
Gentlemen!
First, I hope you and your families are all well and healthy and safe. It goes without saying that it’s been a year unlike any other we’ve ever seen. It’s been a year of reflection and gratitude, graciousness in the face of uncertainty, and the reordering of life’s priorities.
And in reflecting over the past year, I hope you all have chosen to live life to its fullest. That we appreciate our friends and families more than ever. That we celebrate getting together for the Brown Jacket Masters as more than just a get together to play golf, but an opportunity to be with old friends again. Last year, amid a worldwide shutdown, we rallied up and pulled together for an epic gathering the likes of which none of us have seen in many years of the tournament, setting an example for the world and inspiring the other major championships to follow our lead. In true major championship fashion a lowly but beloved player rose up to claim an unlikely and glorious victory. Indeed, it has been a great year as the Brown Jacket Masters Champion, full of privilege and exemption, far exceeding any expectations. And it was only able to happen because we decided we would not be hindered by external circumstance or fear. I call for more of that this year boys—for us to have another glorious day in the sun, drink in hand, celebrating each other and toasting our newest Brown Jacket Masters Champion.
It was during a recent afternoon round at Coronado Golf Course on the beautiful San Diego Bay with fellow Brown Jacket member Ken Loyst and his beautiful wife Jolee that I looked around, took in the wonder of the Coronado Bridge, of the San Diego skyline with the Hotel Del Coronado in the distance and realized this would be where the next Masters would take place. The condition of the course is excellent, and the layout is always challenging yet enjoyable. And memories of the 2011 Brown Jacket Masters came to mind, of how great that day was at this same course, remembering great shots being played, seeing you guys on the next fairway over, Hester diving into the bay, and the cart girl abandoning her job to party with us and I think later getting fired. The steady and level play of Kyle Strong carried him to victory that day. What history will be made this year…
Coronado Golf Course
Sunday September 5th
First tee time 1pm
$96 per player. Includes your cart and range.
This year the club has requested a single payment a few days before the round, so I’ll collect from everyone and make the payment
Venmo me your green fee by Wednesday September 1St. Link is down below.
Also, please note the following amendments proposed and approved by the commissioner:
As submitted by Brown Jacket Masters member Dan Armstrong for consideration and review, and approved for executive order:
The maximum handicap a player may take is 22, unless the player can show a maintained handicap with a handicapping authority, such as USGA, Golflogix, etc. wherein at least 10 rounds have been recorded, in which case you may use that handicap.
The intention of this amendment is to level the entire playing field to more accurately bring everyone into contention regardless of ability. If your actual handicap is more than 22 and you can show it, then you will able to play the tournament with that handicap.
Also note, for 20 years the Brown Jacket has been kept in sacred care of the membership, always being won by a worthy champion with a shared reverence for the Jacket and the history of the tournament. We have always welcomed and admitted new players, their first year as a red shirt year that did not qualify them to take home the Jacket should they put up the lowest score. This rule was established long ago to protect the Jacket from those few questionable characters that may not appreciate the tradition of our tournament. Fortunately or miraculously, it’s never been an issue. However, over the years we’ve thankfully seen a consistent and high level of older members returning year after year, and the newer players you’ve invited have always been kept informed of what the tournament means. You’ve also kept a sense of responsibility for those you invite, and we all appreciate that. So, with that said I’d like to propose a modification to the Red Shirt Year rule:
Tournament players playing in their first Brown Jacket Masters are playing under the invitation and sponsorship of an existing Brown Jacket Masters member. They are therefore eligible to win and take home the Brown Jacket, even in their first year of play, however they are also responsible for the care and return of the Jacket the following year. Should they not be able to meet that obligation, the responsibility will fall to the inviting sponsor should the circumstance arise. The winner of the Jacket will have all the privileges and accolades that come with this Major Championship Title, along with determining the venue of the following year’s host course with the approval of the Commissioner.
The intention of this modification is to establish the full faith and credit of the Brown Jacket members and those they entrust in bringing to our event. Every year we get to meet a couple of new players and every year I am impressed with how great everyone is. With that said, we have a short list of guys on our very own “never to have won a major” list that I would love to see in the Brown Jacket.
Once again, it is my pleasure and my privilege to serve as your commissioner. Being a Brown Jacket Masters Champion in the modern era is seriously a dream come true, it’s been the highlight of a wild year, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. Running this tournament for you guys is an honor.
Your commissioner,
Joey Hernandez
Commissioner
Brown Jacket Masters
1997 & 2020 Champion
