Every April, the world’s best golfers convene at Augusta National to compete in the year’s most coveted tournament: The Masters. Since its establishment in 1934, the Masters has not only earned the title of “golf’s greatest major” but also become a symbol of tradition and prestige, capturing some of golf’s greatest moments. The Masters is famously known as “a tradition unlike any other,” but the champions' dinner remains as Augusta National’s most esteemed tradition.
Held annually on the Tuesday night of Masters week, only past winners and the Augusta National chairman get a seat. The first Masters dinner occurred in 1952, a year after Ben Hogan won his first Masters. “It’s my wish to invite all the Masters Champions who are going to be here,” Hogan wrote, “for the dinner party and I hope you can be on hand promptly at 7:15 pm. My only stipulation is that you wear your green coat.”
Since then, 56 champions have filed into the Augusta National clubhouse dressed in their green jackets ready for a meal picked out by the winner from the previous year. Last year’s champions dinner was hosted by 2022 champion Scottie Scheffler. The theme of his menu revolved around southern barbeque, a glimpse into Scheffler’s Texas roots. To start, Scheffler served appetizers including cheeseburger sliders served scottie style, firecracker shrimp with sweet Thai chili and sriracha mayo, and a tortilla soup. For the main course, Scottie gave the attendees a choice between a Texas ribeye or blackened redfish in addition to family-style mac and cheese, jalapeño creamed corn, fried brussel sprouts, and seasoned fries. To conclude his first time hosting the champions' dinner, Scheffler served a warm chocolate chip skillet cookie along with milk and cookies ice cream.
Similarly to Scottie Scheffler, many Masters champions select a menu that reflects their cultural background and identity. For instance, Hideki Matsuyama, the 2021 champion, curated a dinner that reflected Japanese cuisine. The menu included sushi, sashimi, miso-glazed black cod, A5 miyazaki wagyu, and Japanese strawberry shortcake.
A few years back, Chef Shaun Lewis ranked 2011 champion Charl Schwartzel’s dinner of chilled seafood bar jumbo shrimp, lobster cocktail, crab meat, crab legs, and oysters as the best Masters dinner of all time.
However, not every Masters dinner is as intricate and glamorous as Scheffler and Matsuyama’s. Bubba Waston, for example, the 2012 and 2014 champion, served the same exact simple dinner for both of the champions’ dinners he hosted. Watson, a very picky eater, served a Caesar salad, grilled chicken breast, and confetti cake.
Apart from the food, the champion’s dinner symbolizes excellence, respect, and prestige. Each year, the enduring allure of the champions' dinner doesn’t just reflect the evolution of the tournament but adds to the rich Master’s' history.