The Masters: Rory McIlroy hosts Champions dinner. When did the tradition begin?

Rory McIlroy finally gets his chance to host a Masters Champions Dinner . McIlroy is the defending champion this week at the Augusta National Golf Club and by tradition (over the last 74 years), he will host a dinner for the past champions at the Augusta National Clubhouse on April 7. It's another ceremonial step for McIlroy, who finally conquered his Augusta National demons last year when he beat Justin Rose in a playoff to complete the career Grand Slam.

What will Rory McIlroy serve at the Masters Champions Dinner? McIlroy released his menu on March 18 and no one in the room should go away hungry, with four appetizers, a first course of Yellowfin Tuna, filet mignon and salmon for the main course, four side dishes, ice cream with toffee sauce and four wine selections. McIlroy said the elk sliders are a nod to a game he likes because of its low fat and high protein and the bacon-wrapped dates are one of his mother's specialties.

The "Irish Champ" is a side dish of creamy mashed potatoes mixed with milk, butter, and chopped scallions, which he said was one of his favorites as a kid and he also followed recent champions by offering health-conscious colleagues a fish option to the usual red-meat main course. Served in honor of Mr. Rory McIlroy.

#themasters pic. twitter. com/hUp3uaQeNl — The Masters (@TheMasters) March 18, 2026 The wine list comes from Augusta National's cellar, which is famed for its selections that rival any high-end restaurant in the U.