The menu for the highly anticipated Masters Champions Dinner, hosted by Rory McIlroy, has been unveiled. This exclusive event, set to take place on April 7, is a significant highlight during Masters Week, inviting all former champions of the tournament to partake in a culinary celebration. McIlroy, the winner of the 2025 Masters Tournament, has curated a lavish menu that reflects his upbringing in Northern Ireland, local Georgian flavours, and his personal dining experiences.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Rory-McIlroy-2025-Masters-Tournament-031826-055395816e354ae3b4ad91c867ff7df6.jpg)
Attendees can look forward to a variety of sumptuous starters designed to honour both McIlroy’s heritage and the local cuisine of Georgia, the state where the Masters is held. The dinner will kick off with a peach and ricotta flatbread drizzled with hot honey and rock shrimp tempura accompanied by a creamy spicy dipping sauce. The flatbread pays homage to Georgia’s seasonal ingredients, while the shrimp tempura is a nod to McIlroy’s fondness for rich and diverse flavours.
Among the enticing starters is a dish that holds special sentimental value for the golfer: bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese. This recipe is reminiscent of childhood memories spent with his mother, Rosie, who often prepared these for him. The final starter will feature grilled elk sliders seasoned with caramelised onion jam and roasted garlic aioli, reflecting the golfer’s own experiences and preferences as he has mentioned enjoying elk prior to last year’s tournament.
The second course features a luxurious yellowfin tuna carpaccio, complemented by foie gras and chives, served on toasted baguette. This dish is particularly significant as it highlights McIlroy’s favourite restaurant in New York City, Le Bernardin. He expressed in a recent post, “Every time we go to that restaurant, that’s the one thing that I have to have,” underscoring the importance of culinary memories in shaping his menu choices.
Moving to the main course, guests will have the option of selecting either a Wagyu filet mignon or a seared salmon, both accompanied by a traditional Irish champ. The champ, an iconic dish made from mashed potatoes mixed with chopped green onions, butter, and milk, became a staple in McIlroy’s youth. He fondly recalled consuming it “by the bowlful,” reflecting the nostalgic touch he aims to bring to the event.
Complementing these entrees are sides of sautéed Brussels sprouts, glazed carrots dressed in brown butter, and vidalia onion rings, each adding to the diverse flavours intended to create a memorable meal. McIlroy expressed that the entire menu is crafted from a place of nostalgia and personal experience, ensuring a deeply personal dining experience for all attendees.
Dessert will feature a classic sticky toffee pudding, served warm with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of toffee sauce. This sweet finale not only rounds off the dinner beautifully but also continues the theme of heartfelt nostalgia woven throughout the entire menu.
The selection of wines served during the meal reflects McIlroy’s passion for oenology. He has curated a wine list that includes the prestigious 1990 Chateau Lafite Rothschild, a vintage that holds special significance as it was the same wine he enjoyed during his Masters victory. McIlroy’s emphasis on intentionality in his choices is evident, as he aims to enhance the overall dining experience for his fellow champions.
Last year, Scottie Scheffler hosted the Champions Dinner and drew inspiration from his Texan roots, serving dishes such as Texas-style chili and a wood-fired cowboy ribeye. The tradition of the Champions Dinner remains a cherished occasion, showcasing the personal touches and varied culinary influences brought forward by each winning golfer.
For those unable to attend the exclusive event, Goldbelly has launched a “Taste of the Masters” hosting kit, allowing fans to experience similar gourmet offerings at home. Kits include options like pimento cheese, egg salad, and an Azalea cocktail mix, catering to various group sizes and providing an opportunity for golf enthusiasts to indulge in a taste of the tournament atmosphere.
As excitement builds for the 2026 Masters Champions Dinner, McIlroy’s thoughtfully crafted menu promises to deliver a memorable evening for the golfing elite, steeped in tradition, personal history, and exquisite flavours.