The Masters tournament is set to kick off next Thursday, but before that, the traditional Champions dinner will take place. This longstanding tradition has been a part of the tournament for over 71 years, featuring some intriguing menus over the years.
Started by legendary golfer Ben Hogan in 1952, the Champions dinner is held on the Tuesday night of Masters week at Augusta. The guest list is exclusive to Green Jacket winners and Masters chairman Fred Ridley. The previous year’s champion has the honor of hosting the dinner and selecting the menu, which has ranged from fish and chips to A5 wagyu beef ribeye.
This year, Jon Rahm, the current World No3 and last year’s Masters tournament winner, will be hosting the dinner. Despite trailing behind Brooks Koepka before the final day, Rahm managed to secure his first Green Jacket with a four-stroke victory. The menu for this year’s dinner will feature a selection of tapas and pintxos, chicken croquetas, tortillas, and his grandmother’s lentil stew.
For the main course, guests can choose between a Basque ribeye steak or turbot, and dessert will consist of a puff pastry cake known as milhojas. Many of these dishes are inspired by Rahm’s hometown of Barrika in Spain.
One interesting aspect of the Champions dinner is that the reigning champion is responsible for covering the expenses of the event. This tradition, as revealed by 2008 Masters winner Trevor Immelman, adds a unique touch to the event.
Past Champions dinners have featured a variety of menus, including dishes like cheeseburger sliders, miso glazed black cod, and prime steak and chicken fajitas. Each menu reflects the personal tastes and cultural influences of the champion hosting the dinner.
As the Masters tournament approaches, golf fans and participants alike are eagerly anticipating the historic Champions dinner and the culinary delights it will showcase.
