The Masters Champions Dinner, a tradition since 1952, is hosted annually by the defending Masters champion for all living past winners at Augusta National Golf Club.[1]

The dinner takes place on the Tuesday evening before the tournament begins, with the menu selected by the reigning champion. The 2026 edition is scheduled for Tuesday, April 7, ahead of the first round on Thursday, April 9.[2]

Rory McIlroy, a 35-year-old professional golfer from Northern Ireland currently playing on the PGA Tour, has won four major championships: the 2011 U.S. Open, 2012 PGA Championship, 2014 Open Championship and 2014 PGA Championship. He seeks a Masters victory to complete the career Grand Slam.[3]

McIlroy has previously discussed ideas for a Champions Dinner menu in interviews, including dishes inspired by his personal life such as traditional Irish champ potatoes and appetizers like bacon-wrapped dates reminiscent of his mother's cooking. He has also mentioned yellowfin tuna carpaccio inspired by Le Bernardin restaurant and elk sliders.[4]

The guest list is exclusive to prior Masters champions, and the event underscores one of golf's most esteemed pre-tournament rituals at Augusta National in Georgia, United States.[1]

The 2025 Masters Tournament is set for April 10-13, with the winner to host the 2026 dinner.[2]

Sources

1. Masters.com; Champions Dinner tradition page; Accessed October 2024; https://www.masters.com/en_US/tournament/traditions/champions_dinner.html
2. Masters.com; 2026 Tournament dates; Accessed October 2024; https://www.masters.com/en_US/tournament/index.html
3. Wikipedia; Rory McIlroy; Accessed October 2024; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rory_McIlroy
4. Irish Independent; Rory McIlroy reveals Champions Dinner menu ideas; April 2024 (approximate based on pre-Masters coverage); https://www.independent.ie/sport/golf/