McIlroy Vows to Honor Woods, Mickelson at Masters Dinner

The Northern Irish golfer plans to acknowledge the two golf legends at the annual event.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 3:06pm

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An abstract painting in the cubist style, featuring fragmented geometric shapes in earthy tones that suggest the forms of golf clubs, balls, and players, conveying the dynamic energy and multifaceted nature of the Masters tournament.A cubist interpretation of the Masters tournament captures the strategic complexity and competitive spirit of golf's most prestigious event.Jupiter Island Today

Rory McIlroy, the reigning Masters champion, said he will make sure to honor Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson at the upcoming Masters Champions Dinner, even though they will not be in attendance. Woods was recently arrested on a DUI charge after a car crash, while Mickelson is sitting out the tournament due to a personal health matter.

Why it matters

Woods and Mickelson are two of the most decorated golfers in Masters history, with a combined seven green jackets between them. Their absences from the annual dinner will be felt, and McIlroy wants to ensure their legacies are still recognized and celebrated.

The details

McIlroy, who won the 2026 Masters, said he is looking forward to the Champions Dinner on April 7 and plans to acknowledge Woods and Mickelson as 'two of the greatest champions' the tournament has ever seen. Woods, 50, was arrested on March 27 in Florida on a DUI charge after a car crash, while Mickelson, 55, announced he would miss the tournament due to a 'personal health matter'.

  • Woods was arrested on March 27 in Florida.
  • Mickelson announced his withdrawal on April 2.
  • The Masters Champions Dinner is scheduled for April 7.

The players

Rory McIlroy

The 36-year-old Northern Irish golfer who won the 2026 Masters tournament.

Tiger Woods

The 50-year-old American golfer who has won the Masters five times, most recently in 2019.

Phil Mickelson

The 55-year-old American golfer who has won the Masters three times, most recently in 2010.

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What they’re saying

“Unfortunately, there will be a couple of guys that won't be in that room, which is a shame, but I want to make sure that they're acknowledged as well. They've been two of the greatest champions that the Masters has ever seen.”

— Rory McIlroy, Golfer

What’s next

The Masters tournament is scheduled to take place from April 10-13, 2026.

The takeaway

Despite the absences of Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, the new Masters champion Rory McIlroy wants to ensure their legacies and contributions to the tournament are properly recognized and celebrated at the annual Champions Dinner.