Rory McIlroy's Inaugural Masters Champions Dinner and Historic Menus

The Masters Champions Dinner stands as one of the most anticipated elements preceding the prestigious tournament at Augusta National. Golf aficionados and culinary enthusiasts alike are consistently intrigued by the meal choices of champions, especially given the extensive possibilities within the iconic clubhouse at the end of Magnolia Lane.

Every year, on the Tuesday of Masters week, an exclusive assembly takes place where former Augusta champions share a special meal. The menu for this distinguished dinner is personally selected by the champion from the preceding year. If Rory McIlroy achieved his maiden Masters victory last year, he would now hold the unique privilege of curating the menu for the upcoming 2026 Champions Dinner.

This esteemed tradition was established by Ben Hogan in 1952, following his win the previous year. The guidelines for the dinner specify that only past champions, along with Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts, are invited. Attendees are expected to wear their distinctive 'green jackets' and arrive punctually at 7:15 pm, creating an atmosphere dedicated to "reminiscing, exchanging banter, and relaxation."

Anticipation has been high for Rory McIlroy's menu for the 2026 Masters, particularly after his hypothetical victory last year which would have completed his career Grand Slam.

Please note that while the occasion is highlighted, the specific details of Rory McIlroy's proposed menu items are not enumerated within this particular article.

A Culinary Journey: Masters Champions Dinner Menus Through History

Here’s a look back at some of the notable menus chosen by past Masters champions:

• Scottie Scheffler (2025): Cheeseburger sliders (Scottie style), firecracker shrimp, Papa Scheff’s Meatball & Ravioli Bites, Texas-style chili, wood-fired cowboy ribeye or blackened redfish, warm chocolate chip skillet cookie.
• Jon Rahm (2024): Tapas y Pintxos (Acorn-fed Iberian ham, Cured pork loin, Idiazabal cheese, black truffle, Spanish omelette with onions and confit potatoes, spicy Basque chorizo, potato, Mama Rahm’s classic lentil stew, creamy chicken fritters and confit potatoes); Basque crab salad and potato; Basque ribeye with Tudela lettuce and piquillo peppers; turbot and Navarra white asparagus; puff pastry cake, custard and Chantilly cream.
• Scottie Scheffler (2023): Cheeseburger sliders (Scottie style), firecracker shrimp, Tortilla soup, Texas rib eye steak, blackened redfish, warm chocolate chip skillet cookie.
• Hideki Matsuyama (2022): Assorted sushi, sashimi and nigiri yakitori chicken skewers; Miso glazed black cod, Miyazaki Wagyu; Japanese strawberry shortcake.
• Dustin Johnson (2021): Pigs in a blanket, lobster and corn fritters; House or Caesar salad; Filet mignon and miso-marinated sea bass; Peach cobbler and apple pie with vanilla ice cream.
• Tiger Woods (2020): Augusta rolls (tempura shrimp, spicy tuna, avocado, eel sauce); Prime steak and chicken fajitas with grilled vegetables, refried beans and Mexican rice; Flan, churros with chocolate sauce, sopapillas.
• Patrick Reed (2019): Rib eye steak, macaroni and cheese, creamed spinach, creamed corn, chicken, salad, seafood.
• Sergio Garcia (2018): International salad, lobster rice dish, tres leches cake and ice cream.
• Danny Willett (2017): Mini cottage pies, traditional Sunday roast, apple crumble and custard.
• Jordan Spieth (2016): Salad, Texas barbecue with BBQ baked beans, bacon and chive potato salad, sautéed green beans, grilled zucchini, roasted yellow squash, Chocolate chip cookie with ice cream.
• Bubba Watson (2015): Caesar salad, chicken breast, green beans, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, corn, confetti cake and vanilla ice cream.
• Adam Scott (2014): Artichoke and arugula salad with calamari, surf and turf, Wagyu beef with lobster, spinach and mashed potatoes, pavlova Anzac biscuit and vanilla sundae.
• Bubba Watson (2013): Caesar salad, chicken breast, green beans, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, corn, confetti cake and vanilla ice cream.
• Charl Schwartzel (2012): Seafood (crabmeat, crab legs, oysters, shrimp, lobster); South African barbecue (steak, sausages, lamb); Vanilla ice cream sundae.
• Phil Mickelson (2011): Paella, machango-topped filet mignon, tortillas, asparagus, salad, apple empanada ice cream.
• Angel Cabrera (2010): Asado (chorizo, sausage, ribs, beef fillets, mollejas).
• Trevor Immelman (2009): Meat pie with egg, sosaties, spinach salad, milk tart.
• Zach Johnson (2008): Iowa beef, Florida shrimp.
• Phil Mickelson (2007): Chicken, sausage, ribs, pulled pork.
• Tiger Woods (2006): Stuffed jalapeno and quesadilla starter, salad, chicken and steak fajitas, rice, apple pie, ice cream.
• Phil Mickelson (2005): Lobster ravioli in tomato cream sauce, salad, garlic bread.
• Mike Weir (2004): Elk, wild boar, Arctic char.
• Tiger Woods (2003): Chicken, porterhouse steak, sushi, sashimi, salads, crab cakes, asparagus, mashed potatoes, chocolate truffle cake.
• Tiger Woods (2002): Porterhouse steak, chicken, sushi.
• Vijay Singh (2001): Chicken panang curry, tom kah, scallops with garlic sauce, rack of lamb, sea bass with chili sauce, lychee sorbet.
• Mark O’Meara (1999): Sushi, tuna sashimi, chicken and steak fajitas.
• Tiger Woods (1998): Cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches, French fries.
• Nick Faldo (1997): Fish and chips, tomato soup.
• Ben Crenshaw (1996): Texas barbecue.
• Jose Maria Olazabal (1995): Paella and hake, tapas.
• Bernhard Langer (1994): Turkey, Black Forest torte.
• Fred Couples (1993): Chicken cacciatore.
• Sandy Lyle (1989): Haggis, mashed potatoes, mashed turnips.
• Bernhard Langer (1986): Wiener Schnitzel.

Behind the Scenes: The Masters Champions Dinner Experience

Have you ever wondered about the seating arrangements, the most acclaimed meals served, or who shares the most engaging anecdotes at this exclusive event? As 2008 champion Trevor Immelman once recounted, it's a unique opportunity for golfing legends to connect, reminisce, and reflect.