Brown Jacket Masters

GREETINGS GENTLEMEN OF THE BROWN JACKET—

Summer is upon us once again, Labor Day weekend is fast approaching, and that means only one thing…

The greatest golf tournament on Earth is nearly here.

Before we look ahead, it is only right that we recognize our reigning Brown Jacket Masters Champion, Brian Kim.

Brian put together an outstanding air-conditioned performance last year at Singing Hills, posting an impressive 6-under par to claim the Brown Jacket by two shots over first-year players Gavin Scanlan and Steve Runyan. Now, Gavin and Steve clearly missed the orientation meeting where we explain that first-year players are supposed to politely finish somewhere around 17th, spend a year learning everyone's names, and quietly observe the traditions before making a serious run at the Jacket. Instead, they immediately found themselves in contention on Sunday afternoon and nearly walked off with the most prestigious garment in championship golf.

Fortunately for the sanctity of the tournament, BK had other ideas.

Calm under pressure with an outrageous birdie-fest on the front nine, Brian closed out a deserving championship and earned every privilege that comes with wearing the Brown Jacket. Fame. Glory. Unlimited storytelling rights. The ability to casually begin every sentence with, "As reigning Brown Jacket Champion…"

Congratulations again, BK.

As tradition dictates, the reigning Champion earns the honor of selecting the following year's host course. Brian and I discussed several possibilities over the past few months. Some familiar venues were considered. A few ambitious ideas were thrown around. But one course seemed to be the obvious choice for this year.

A course that somehow, despite nearly three decades of Brown Jacket history, has never hosted our Championship.

How that's possible, I honestly don't know.

Many of us have played a ton of rounds there. Several members—including myself and BK—call it our home course. It has humbled every one of us more times than we'd care to admit.

It is one of the most historic municipal golf courses in California.

And somehow...

..never a Brown Jacket.

Until now.

The 2026 Brown Jacket Masters will be held at:

Balboa Park Golf Course

Sunday, September 6th, 2026

First Tee Time: 10:30 AM

$120 per player

This year's entry fee must be prepaid, as required by tournament policy at Balboa. Please Venmo me your $120 entry fee as soon as possible to secure your place in the field.

This year's tournament is capped at 52 players. Once those spots are filled, they're filled. If history tells us anything, there will be a few last-minute texts asking if "there's still room." There probably won't be. Do yourselves—and your Commissioner—a favor and confirm early.

Unfortunately, Balboa's tournament policies do not allow resident rates to be applied, so everyone will be paying the standard tournament fee.

As always, please send me your confirmation and current handicap as soon as possible. If you're bringing a new player, include their information as well, but understand that existing Brown Jacket members have priority. Our tournament has always grown because each of you has invited quality people who appreciate the traditions of the Brown Jacket as much as the golf itself.

And speaking of tradition...

Brian, this serves as your annual reminder that the Brown Jacket should be professionally cleaned, properly pressed, and presented in championship condition. Champagne, whiskey, cigar smoke, and poor life decisions are all acceptable souvenirs of a Champion's year. Permanent stains are not.

Gentlemen, every year I look forward to this weekend more than the last.

The competition gets stronger every year, and every one of us still dreams of walking up 18 with the crew cheering us on, the Jacket within our grasp, and hopefully the commissioner announcing your name before BK presents you with the Brown Jacket.

But what keeps this tournament thriving after all these years is the people.

Friends we've known for thirty years. Guys who have been there since the beginning. Champions. Newcomers. Family. The stories. The laughs. The extra hole playoffs! It's the one day of the year many of us look forward to more than any other.

Twenty-nine years after this crazy little idea became a tournament, the Brown Jacket remains one of my greatest honors to be a part of.

Thank you all for making it what it is. Thank you Donnie, Ronnie, Johnny, Clarkie, Skyber, Tyler, Diaz, Veety, Isaac, Mazzeo, Armstrong, Fletch, Ray, Casey, Scotty--all you guys that created this legend of a tournament.

Now go work on your putting.

I'll see you all on Masters Sunday.

Your Commissioner,

Joey Hernandez
Commissioner – Brown Jacket Masters
1997 & 2020 Champion

GREETINGS GENTLEMEN OF THE BROWN JACKET---IT IS TIME TO LOCK IN

I hope everyone is having a great summer so far. I’ve seen posts of travels around the world, concerts, time at the beach, new babies, college bound kids, and a lot of rounds being played by all of you guys and it’s great to see. But there is no better way to close out a great summer like a round with the boys playing for the Brown Jacket. The weather has been perfect for 27 of the 28 years we’ve been doing this, and even the 2008 Masters tournament that Tyler Nichols won in the wind and rain was one of the most fun we’ve ever had.

The tournament is now only a couple of weeks away, so let’s get those confirmations and handicaps in. If you have a pairing request let me know as well. Some of you have asked to invite new players to the tournament, which is great, so I thought I should give a run down on the terms for new players as revised in 2020:

All first-year players are technically subject to redshirt. This rule was established to protect the jacket, but in recent years it’s become evident that almost everyone enters our tournament returns year after year, so consideration will be given to grant the winner the rights to take home the jacket should it be the winner’s first year playing, with the stipulation that all new entrants are sponsored by an established BJM member that can vouch for their integrity. This makes you a co-signer for those you invite.

To all the new players this year, welcome. Be sure to meet as many members as you can. As established members know, we are a wide-ranging group of friends and family with the best sense of humor ever, many meeting here at this tournament. We have players in the trades, business management, wealth management, public service, law enforcement, real estate, and the list goes on. I’ve reached out to many of you for your guidance and help—you guys should too. Maybe I should send another email out to everyone with contact information for your services. Let me know what you think.

Scorekeeping will be done on the Unknown Golf app again. Most players are already set up and we have a running history for the last three tournaments there. It is something that I pay for depending on how many players we have. It helps to make sure you download the app well in advance and make sure a player in your group is assigned scorekeeping responsibilities. Brian Kim helps set that up for us and can help if needed. You’re the best BK.

Ok, get me those confirmations and handicaps. Then get out there and practice because this may be the year YOU take home the Brown Jacket.

Your Commissioner
Joey Hernandez
Brown Jacket Masters
619-887-9068

2021 Tee Sheet