Mike Weir showing off his coveted jacket

Masters champion Mike Weir was the only man allowed to leave Augusta National with his green jacket, and he didn't waste any time showing it off.

More than a thousand people showed up at a retail store where Weir - wearing the coveted coat he won Sunday in a playoff - signed autographs and introduced his new line of golf accessories.

Later Monday, he dropped the ceremonial opening puck at a Stanley Cup playoff game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Philadelphia Flyers.

Augusta National frowns on its champions wearing the green jacket at commercial events, although the club noted that Weir had it on just one day after becoming the first Canadian and left-hander to win the Masters.

"We're very proud of our 2003 champion and happy he was excited enough to wear it to those functions," Augusta National spokesman Glenn Greenspan said.

The green jackets awarded to Masters winners remain at the club. The only player allowed to take it home is the reigning champion.

Greenspan said while there are no rules, the club prefers that champions not use the green jacket to promote products in person or in advertising. He said the accessories line was more of an autograph opportunity.

Bell Canada, one of Weir's top sponsors, took out a full-page ad Tuesday showing Weir at Augusta National with his new green jacket.

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