The annual Masters Champions Dinner was held at the Augusta National clubhouse on Tuesday, albeit without notable former winners Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson.
While ‘Lefty’ missed the event due to an illness in the family, Woods’ absence continues to loom over this week’s event following his recent DUI arrest in Florida. The 50-year-old golf legend is now seeking treatment overseas after police say they discovered two opioid painkillers in his pocket following his latest rollover crash.
This year’s host, 2025 winner Rory McIlroy, vowed to recognize both Woods and Mickelson during Tuesday’s dinner, which was expected to be the most expensive ever at $318 per head, according to The Sun.
While appetizers included some trendy, regional options like Grilled Elk Sliders as well as Peach and Ricotta Flatbread, there were several classic dishes offered as well, including yellowfin tuna carpaccio and a choice of wagyu filet mignon or seared salmon.
The menu could best be described as eclectic.
There was one dish that represented McIlroy’s native Ireland, a mashed potato recipe known as traditional Irish champ. However, the reigning Masters champ was admittedly hesitant to include too many selections from the Emerald Isle.
Reigning Masters winner Rory McIlroy is joined by other champions at the annual dinner
The reigning Masters winner checks in on the Elk Sliders and bacon-wrapped dates
Rory McIlroy previously unveiled his Masters Champions Dinner ahead of the 2026 tournament
‘People keep asking me, ‘Why didn’t you go more Irish?’ the 36-year-old married father said at a press conference on Tuesday. ‘And I said, ‘Because I want to enjoy the dinner as well.”
For dessert, there were toffee pudding and ice cream options, as well as a drink menu that included a 1989 Chateau d’Yquem, Sauternes, Bordeaux that goes for $650 a bottle.
And as always, the host and reigning champion foots the bill for the dinner – one of many distinctions that has made the event a highlight of the golf calendar.
But while great champions from Jack Nicklaus to Scottie Scheffler were on hand, it was hard not to think about Mickelson and Woods, who have combined to win the coveted green jacket on eight occasions.
‘Unfortunately, there will be a couple of guys that won’t be in that room, which is a shame,’ McIlroy told the Golf Channel on Monday. ‘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,’ McIlroy told the Golf Channel.
Mickelson’s current family health issue remains a mystery, but Woods’ ordeal has been front-page news for nearly two weeks.
Authorities claim Woods showed ‘several signs of impairment,’ including ‘bloodshot and glassy’ eyes with ‘extremely dilated pupils.’
In bodycam footage, the five-time Masters winner told police that he was ‘hoping to’ play in the Masters – but that it ‘depends on y’all.’
The crash took place just days after Woods took part in the final day of the TGL virtual golf league. It was the first competitive golf he played since July of 2024.
While McIlroy refrained from criticizing Woods, PGA star Jason Day did not let the 15-time major winner off the hook when speaking to reporters on Monday.
The annual dinner is held at the Augusta National Clubhouse. In this 2024 photo, Woods is pictured with caddie Lance Bennett. Woods decided to skip this year’s event after his arrest
Tiger Woods sits in an unmarked police vehicle as he speaks with law enforcement personnel following a car crash in Jupiter Island, Florida on March 27
Tiger Woods, right, gets the green jacket from Phil Mickelson, left, after winning the 2005 Masters at the Augusta National Golf Club. The two have eight green jackets between them
‘He’s just a human being like everyone else and we have struggles,’ Day said. ‘It’s unfortunate.
‘The only thing that I don’t understand is that it’s a little bit selfish of him to drive and put other people in harm’s way, as well.
‘But when you’re the player that he was and how strong-willed he is, he thinks he can do almost anything. That’s probably why he’s driving and a little bit under the influence.’
Day, a one-time Major winner from the 2015 PGA Championship at Whistling Straits, underlined his admiration for Woods’ achievements in the game, adding: ‘He was my hero – he’s my hero.
‘The reason why I play golf is because of this tournament and Tiger. It’s hard to see him go through what he’s going through, and especially under the microscope.’
