The Champions Dinner is a time-honoured tradition at Augusta National, held each year on the Tuesday before the Masters. Hosted by the defending champion, this exclusive event gathers past winners to celebrate their victories—and indulge in a menu handpicked by the reigning champ.
From regional delicacies to creative comfort food, each meal tells a story about its host. Here’s a look at some iconic Champion’s Choice menus over the years.
Recent Menus: A Culinary Showcase
-
Scottie Scheffler (2023):
Cheeseburger sliders (Scottie style), firecracker shrimp, and tortilla soup kicked off the meal. Guests enjoyed a Texas ribeye steak or blackened redfish as the main, with decadent sides like jalapeño creamed corn and fried Brussels sprouts. Dessert? A warm chocolate chip skillet cookie with milk-and-cookie ice cream. -
Hideki Matsuyama (2022):
Japanese cuisine took centre stage with sushi, sashimi, and Miyazaki A5 Wagyu beef ribeye paired with mixed mushrooms and vegetables. A fluffy sponge cake with whipped cream and Amaou strawberries completed the meal. -
Dustin Johnson (2021):
A classic approach with Caesar salad, prime filet mignon or miso-marinated sea bass, and a dessert duo of peach cobbler and apple pie with vanilla ice cream. -
Tiger Woods (2020):
A nod to his love of bold flavours, Tiger served steak and chicken fajitas with sides like refried beans and Mexican rice. Dessert included churros with chocolate sauce. -
Patrick Reed (2019):
Guests were treated to a choice of Caesar or wedge salad, followed by bone-in cowboy rib eye with herb butter, macaroni and cheese, creamed spinach, and corn crème brûlée. Tiramisu, vanilla bean crème brûlée, and chocolate crunch praline cheesecake rounded out the dessert options. -
Sergio Garcia (2018):
Sergio celebrated his victory with an international flair—an assortment of appetizers including an international salad and traditional Spanish lobster rice. For dessert, Angela Garcia’s tres leches cake was served. -
Danny Willett (2017):
A cozy, comforting menu with mini cottage pies to start, followed by a Sunday roast of prime rib with all the trimmings—roasted potatoes, vegetables, Yorkshire puddings, and gravy. Dessert was apple crumble with vanilla custard. -
Jordan Spieth (2016):
Texas barbecue took centre stage, featuring beef brisket, smoked half chicken, and pork ribs, complemented by BBQ baked beans, potato salad, sautéed green beans, and grilled zucchini. For dessert, a warm chocolate chip cookie with vanilla ice cream. -
Bubba Watson (2015):
Bubba went with the classic comfort food approach, serving traditional Caesar salad, grilled chicken breast with green beans, mashed potatoes, corn, macaroni and cheese, and cornbread. Dessert was a simple confetti cake with vanilla ice cream.
Memorable Throwbacks
-
Phil Mickelson (2005):
Lobster ravioli with tomato cream sauce, Caesar salad, and garlic bread for a refined Italian touch. -
Mike Weir (2004):
Representing Canada with elk, wild boar, Arctic char, and Canadian beer—a truly wild menu! -
Tiger Woods (1998):
Keeping it simple and nostalgic, Tiger opted for cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches, French fries, and milkshakes. -
Sandy Lyle (1989):
Bringing Scottish heritage to the table with haggis, mashed potatoes, and turnips. -
Bernhard Langer (1986):
A nod to his German roots, Langer served Wiener schnitzel (breaded veal) with all the traditional fixings. -
Ben Crenshaw (1995):
Keeping it Southern with Texas barbecue and all the classic sides. -
Vijay Singh (2001):
Guests enjoyed a delicious combination of seafood tom kah and chicken panang curry as appetizers, followed by baked Chilean sea bass with a three-flavor chili sauce. Dessert was lychee sorbet. -
Nick Faldo (1997):
A taste of England with fish and chips paired with tomato soup. -
Mark O'Meara (1999):
A light and fresh meal featuring sushi and tuna sashimi, with a main of chicken and beef fajitas. -
Jose Maria Olazabal (1995):
A paella feast paired with hake and tapas to reflect the flavors of Spain. -
Trevor Immelman (2009):
A South African-inspired menu with Bobotie (spiced minced meat pie), sosaties (chicken skewers), and a traditional milk tart for dessert.
Each dinner offers a window into the champion’s culture, tastes, and personality. It’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of legacy.
Which menu would you love to have tried?
(Inspired by @themasters on Instagram and Today’s Golfer)