Rory McIlroy Addresses Tiger Woods' Absence at Masters Champions Dinner

Woods and Mickelson will miss the annual event honoring the defending champion.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 4:53pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented golf tournament scene, with overlapping planes of color and shape representing the complex emotions surrounding the event.The absence of two golf legends casts a somber tone over the annual Masters Champions dinner.Jupiter Island Today

Rory McIlroy, the defending Masters champion, acknowledged the absence of Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson at this year's Masters Champions dinner. Woods was recently arrested for driving under the influence after a car accident in Florida, where officers found prescription drugs in his possession. Mickelson is also dealing with a personal health matter. McIlroy said he wants to make sure both golfing legends are acknowledged, as they have been two of the greatest champions in Masters history.

Why it matters

The annual Masters Champions dinner is a prestigious event that honors the previous year's winner and brings together past champions of the prestigious golf tournament. Woods and Mickelson's absences will be felt, as they are two of the most iconic and successful players in Masters history.

The details

Tiger Woods was arrested on March 27 near his home on Jupiter Island, Florida after his SUV flipped and skidded down the street. Officers found two hydrocodone pills in his pocket and concluded he was impaired, though Woods blew a 0.00 on breathalyzer tests. Woods has a long history of back and leg injuries, and hydrocodone is a prescription drug to treat severe, chronic pain. Phil Mickelson is also dealing with an unspecified personal health matter that will keep him from attending the dinner.

  • The Masters Champions dinner is held annually on the Tuesday before the start of the Masters tournament.
  • Woods was arrested on March 27, 2026 near his home in Florida.

The players

Rory McIlroy

The defending Masters champion who will be hosting the annual Champions dinner.

Tiger Woods

A 15-time major champion and 5-time Masters winner who will not be attending the dinner due to his recent DUI arrest.

Phil Mickelson

A 3-time Masters champion who will also not be attending the dinner due to a personal health matter.

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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. But it's going to be a really cool night. I can't wait. I hope everyone enjoys the dinner and enjoys everything that I've selected.”

— Rory McIlroy, Defending Masters Champion

What’s next

The 2026 Masters tournament will begin on April 10, following the Champions dinner on April 8.

The takeaway

The absence of Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, two of golf's all-time greats, will cast a somber tone over this year's Masters Champions dinner. However, Rory McIlroy's acknowledgment of their legacies shows respect for their contributions to the sport and the tournament.