Masters 2026: Ranking the 10 Best Champions Dinner Menus Ahead of Rory McIlroy's Feast

As Rory McIlroy prepares to host the prestigious Champions Dinner, we analyze and rank the top 10 menus from past Masters winners.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 11:54am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a Masters Champions Dinner scene, with overlapping planes of green, white, and gold hues representing the prestigious tournament.The Masters Champions Dinner, a prestigious annual event, is celebrated through a cubist, geometric interpretation that captures the energy and diversity of the occasion.Augusta Today

The Masters is not just an athletic event, but also a gastronomic one, with the exclusive Champions Dinner being a highlight. Each year, the previous year's winner hosts a feast for all the green jacket owners, and the menus they select are analyzed and critiqued by fans. Ahead of Rory McIlroy's long-awaited meal, we've ranked the top 10 Champions Dinner menus dating back to 2000, taking into account factors like cultural authenticity, creativity, and crowd-pleasing appeal.

Why it matters

The Champions Dinner is a cherished tradition at the Masters, offering a glimpse into the personal tastes and cultural backgrounds of golf's elite. These menus not only reflect the winners' personalities, but also showcase the diversity and evolution of the sport's global reach. Analyzing and ranking these menus provides insight into the rich tapestry of the Masters experience beyond the golf course.

The details

The rankings include menus from a variety of champions, such as Vijay Singh's Thai feast in 2001, Hideki Matsuyama's Japanese-inspired menu in 2022, and Bubba Watson's more casual American fare in 2013 and 2015. Other standouts include Jon Rahm's tribute to his Basque roots in 2024, Phil Mickelson's homage to Seve Ballesteros in 2011, and Scottie Scheffler's down-to-earth Tex-Mex spread in 2023.

  • The Champions Dinner takes place annually on the Tuesday night before the start of the Masters tournament.
  • The 2026 Champions Dinner will be hosted by Rory McIlroy, the 2025 Masters champion.

The players

Vijay Singh

A Fijian professional golfer who won the Masters in 2000 and hosted the Champions Dinner in 2001, serving a Thai-inspired feast.

Hideki Matsuyama

A Japanese professional golfer who won the Masters in 2021 and hosted the Champions Dinner in 2022, serving a menu featuring sushi, sashimi, and Japanese desserts.

Jon Rahm

A Spanish professional golfer who won the Masters in 2023 and hosted the Champions Dinner in 2024, serving a menu that paid tribute to his Basque heritage.

Bubba Watson

An American professional golfer who won the Masters in 2012 and 2014, and hosted the Champions Dinner in 2013 and 2015, serving a more casual American menu.

Phil Mickelson

An American professional golfer who won the Masters in 2004, 2006, and 2010, and hosted the Champions Dinner in 2011, serving a menu in honor of Seve Ballesteros.

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What they’re saying

“You know my diet and healthy-choice approach. I didn't usually eat spicy dishes, but I really enjoyed Vijay's selection.”

— Gary Player

“No notes. You could tell he had practiced. He cared about what he was saying. You could tell it was a proud moment. Even for that dinner, it was one of the more special moments.”

— Jordan Spieth

What’s next

The 2026 Champions Dinner, hosted by Rory McIlroy, will take place on Tuesday, April 8, 2026, the night before the start of the 2026 Masters tournament.

The takeaway

The Champions Dinner menus at the Masters showcase the diverse cultural backgrounds and personal tastes of golf's elite champions. From Vijay Singh's Thai feast to Hideki Matsuyama's Japanese-inspired menu, these menus not only delight the palate but also provide a unique window into the personalities and heritage of the game's greatest players.