Rory McIlroy has playfully suggested that a more casual dining experience could be in store for next year's Masters Champions Dinner, following his successful title defence at Augusta National. The Northern Irishman had the privilege of hosting past champions on the Tuesday evening before this year's tournament, finally ending his wait for a green jacket in 2025.
Annual Tradition
The tradition, dating back to 1952, sees previous Masters winners dine together, with only Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley also present. McIlroy hosted the most expensive Champions Dinner on record at $318 per head last month, according to a study by Sportsbook Review. This is more than three times the cost of 2024 champion Scottie Scheffler's menu.
Future Plans
During an appearance on the podcast New Heights, Travis Kelce and his brother Jason asked McIlroy if he had considered his menu for 2027. "I went pretty fancy this year," McIlroy admitted. "It's always on the Tuesday night. So I could just do, like a Taco Tuesday or something? I don't know. We'll see. I haven't thought about it too much, but you know it's hard, right?"
This year's menu featured four appetizers: elk sliders, rock shrimp tempura, peach and ricotta flatbread, and bacon-wrapped dates inspired by his mother's recipe. Guests then enjoyed Yellowfin tuna carpaccio with foie gras and chives, followed by a main course of Wagyu Filet Mignon or Seared Salmon, served with Brussels sprouts, carrots, onion rings, and Irish champ. Dessert was sticky toffee pudding with vanilla ice cream and warm toffee sauce.
McIlroy also shared that his friend Shane Lowry helped select the wine list, which included a 1990 red Bordeaux priced at $1,300 a bottle. Despite the lavish spread, McIlroy joked about avoiding too many Irish dishes, saying, "People keep asking me, 'Why didn't you go more Irish?' And I said, 'Because I want to enjoy the dinner as well.'" He added that he received some criticism back home but believes everyone enjoyed the meal.
