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Rory McIlroy Hints At What He'll Have On Masters Champions Dinner Menu

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated May 5, 2025 3:11 PM ET

Rory McIlroy's Masters preparation will include an extra task next year. While no longer desperate to earn the elusive green jacket, he now has a dinner to plan.

Last month, McIlroy completed his career grand slam by winning his first Masters. The 36-year-old put himself and viewers through an emotional roller coaster before winning a dramatic playoff over Justin Rose after a wild closing round at Augusta National Golf Club.

With that huge burden removed, McIlroy may feel much lighter when returning to the 2026 Masters. Then again, that could depend on what he picks for his champion's dinner menu.

The prior year's Masters winner gets to curate a meal for past champions held before the annual tournament. During Friday's interview on TODAY, Carson Daly asked McIlroy if he's considered his desired dishes.

McIlroy shared his initial thoughts on some potential meat options.

"I've been into like wild game recently. So like venison, elk, stuff like that," McIlroy said. "I don't know if that might be in it. That sort of fueled this run, so maybe something like that."

While McIlroy didn't reveal any potential appetizers, desserts, or sides, those meats suggest that past champions will have a different culinary experience from the last Masters dinner.

Before April's event, Scottie Scheffler picked the menu a second time. The world's top-ranked golfer served Cowboy Ribeye or blackened redfish with macaroni and cheese, jalapeno creamed corn, soy-glazed Brussels sprouts, and chipotle-lime roasted sweet potatoes.

Scheffler's meal included Texas-style chili for the opening course and a chocolate chip skillet cookie served with vanilla ice cream for dessert. Cheeseburger sliders, firecracker shrimp, and meatball and ravioli bites made up the appetizers.

Of course, McIlroy wasn't thinking about a far-away dinner when winning the Masters. After sinking the winning putt, he fell to the ground and shouted in relief.

McIlroy discussed his emotional response to the long-awaited Masters triumph.

“I've never felt a release like that," McIlroy said. "Obviously I cried at my wedding. I cried at the birth of our daughter, but it was something I didn't realize I was holding onto for so long."

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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