Mark O’Meara, the 1998 Masters champion, may no longer compete at Augusta National, but he still receives one of the most coveted invites in golf every year: a seat at the annual Tuesday night Masters Club Dinner, also known as the Champions Dinner. The first Champions dinner was hosted in 1952 by Ben Hogan, and since then, the tradition has continued with the previous year’s Masters champion choosing the menu. Recent menus have included some memorable selections, with champions often opting to honor their heritage by choosing traditional dishes from their home countries or states.
This year, Scottie Scheffler paid homage to his Texas roots with a menu featuring Texas-style chili. In 2023, he served a Texas Ribeye steak. During a recent episode of Subpar, O’Meara reflected on his own Champions dinner menu, which included chicken and steak fajitas, sushi, and tuna sashimi. He also shared his thoughts on which dinners were most memorable, citing Scottie’s and Hideki Matsuyama’s menus as phenomenal. Tiger Woods also impressed O’Meara with his chicken and steak fajitas dinner following his 2019 win at the Masters.
However, not all Champions dinners have been well-received. O’Meara mentioned Sandy Lyle’s haggis dinner in 1989, which was made from a sheep’s heart, lungs, liver, oatmeal, onions, and spices cooked in a sheep stomach. O’Meara admitted he wasn’t there, but heard about it and suggested that anyone trying haggis for the first time should have plenty of hot sauce on hand. Despite some less desirable menu choices over the years, O’Meara praised recent dinners and listed Scottie’s as one of the best he has experienced at the Masters.
O’Meara also shared memories from his 1998 win at Augusta National and provided insights on the tournament. The tradition of the Champions Dinner is an iconic part of the Masters tournament, showcasing the diverse backgrounds and culinary preferences of golf’s elite players. It offers a glimpse into the personal tastes and heritage of the players, adding a unique and intimate touch to the prestigious event. Each year, fans eagerly anticipate the unveiling of the Champions Dinner menu, eager to see how the latest Masters champion chooses to celebrate their victory and showcase their culinary preferences.
The Champions Dinner not only brings together past and present Masters champions but also serves as a reminder of the tournament’s rich history and traditions. It highlights the camaraderie and respect among the players, as they come together to honor the tournament and enjoy a meal together. The menu choices often reflect the champion’s personality and background, adding a layer of personalization to the event. As golf enthusiasts look forward to future Masters tournaments, the Champions Dinner will continue to be a highly anticipated and revered tradition that adds a special touch to this iconic tournament.
