Rory McIlroy cracks up reporters with Masters Champions Dinner joke at Augusta National

Rory McIlroy wll host his first-ever Masters Champions Dinner on Tuesday evening at Augusta National — and he’s already had reporters laughing with his reasoning behind a notably non-traditional menu.

The 36-year-old Northern Irishman earned hosting honours after his dramatic victory at The Masters last year, where he defeated Justin Rose in a playoff to complete the career Grand Slam and claim his fifth major title.

More than 70 years since the tradition began, the Champions Dinner remains one of golf’s most exclusive gatherings. 

This year’s edition, however, will be without Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, both absent due to personal reasons. 

McIlroy’s carefully curated menu reflects a blend of personal favourites and crowd-pleasers rather than a deep dive into Irish cuisine.

Starters include peach and ricotta flatbread, bacon-wrapped dates, rock shrimp tempura and grilled elk sliders. 

A standout first course — yellowfin tuna carpaccio paired with foie gras — is inspired by meals enjoyed with his wife at Le Bernardin, with Augusta chefs even travelling to New York to perfect the dish.

For the main course, guests can choose between wagyu filet mignon or seared salmon, accompanied by sides such as Irish champ, Brussels sprouts, glazed carrots and crispy onion rings. 

Dessert is a classic sticky toffee pudding served with vanilla ice cream.

According to Sportsbook Review, the cost per plate comes in at a reported $318 (£251) — nearly triple the cost of Scottie Scheffler’s dinner of 2025 — before factoring in an extensive wine list featuring several bottles priced above $1,000.

Speaking ahead of The Masters, which gets underway on Thursday, the world number two admitted the planning process came together late but proved enjoyable — particularly selecting wines from Augusta’s famed cellar.

However, it was his explanation for steering away from a more traditional Irish theme that drew the biggest reaction.

“People keep asking me why I didn’t go more Irish,” McIlroy said, smiling. “And I say because I want to enjoy the dinner as well.”

The remark drew laughter from reporters and underlined his approach: create a menu that balances personal taste with broad appeal for past champions.

“I tried to do a few things I know everyone would eat,” he added, noting that Augusta National encouraged a vegetarian option among the appetisers, which McIlroy claims was most likely for Gary Player. 

Beyond the dinner, McIlroy’s focus remains firmly on the tournament itself. The five-time major champion is aiming to become the first player since Woods in 2002 to successfully defend the famous Green Jacket. 

McIlroy will tee off alongside Players champion Cameron Young and 2025 US Amateur Mason Howell for the first two rounds.

Check out the first and second round tee times at The Masters.