Rory McIlroy Hosts Masters Champions Dinner with Irish Champ and Sticky Toffee Pudding
Rory McIlroy tonight hosts the prestigious Masters Champions Dinner at Augusta National, serving a menu that blends his Northern Irish roots with global culinary influences — as the reigning champion prepares to defend his green jacket when the tournament begins on Thursday.
The annual Champions Dinner, held on the Tuesday of Masters week, is one of golf's most cherished traditions. As the 2025 Masters champion — the victory that completed his career Grand Slam — McIlroy has the honour of curating the menu for past champions gathered at Augusta National. This year's dinner takes place on Tuesday 7 April 2026.
A Menu with Personal Meaning
McIlroy's menu reflects his personal history and culinary passions. Appetisers include Peach and Ricotta Flatbread — a nod to local Georgia flavours — Rock Shrimp Tempura with a creamy spicy sauce, Bacon-Wrapped Dates with goat cheese and almonds (inspired by his mother's cooking), and Grilled Elk Sliders with caramelised onion jam and roasted garlic aioli.
The first course is Yellowfin Tuna Carpaccio with foie gras and toasted baguette, replicating a dish from his favourite New York restaurant, Le Bernardin. Augusta National's chefs reportedly worked with the restaurant to ensure authenticity.
For the main course, guests can choose between Wagyu Filet Mignon or Seared Salmon, both served with traditional Irish Champ — the mashed potato dish McIlroy enjoyed frequently as a child growing up in Holywood, County Down — alongside sautéed Brussels sprouts, glazed carrots, and crispy Vidalia onion rings.
Dessert is Sticky Toffee Pudding with vanilla ice cream and warm toffee sauce, described by McIlroy as a "crowd-pleaser."
A Wine List to Remember
McIlroy, a passionate wine enthusiast, has selected a carefully curated list from the Augusta National cellar, including a 1990 Château Lafite Rothschild — the wine he drank the night he won the Masters — and a 1989 Château d'Yquem from his birth year, which he described as "like liquid gold."
Defending Champion and Title Contender
McIlroy enters the 2026 Masters as defending champion and one of the tournament favourites, with odds of +1200. If he wins, he would become only the fourth golfer in history to claim back-to-back Masters titles. His career scoring average at Augusta National of 71.45 is the third-best in history among players with at least 50 rounds, and the best in the current field.
The first round tees off on Thursday 9 April, with Scottie Scheffler (+500) and Jon Rahm (+950) among the other leading contenders in a field of 91 players.
For full Masters coverage, visit Sky Sports Golf.
