Rory McIlroy Unveils Wagyu and Elk Sliders for April 7 Champions Dinner

Defending champion Rory McIlroy has finalized his Masters Club menu featuring wagyu filet mignon and sticky toffee pudding for the April 7 event.

Defending champion Rory McIlroy has finalized the menu for the Masters Club gathering on April 7, 2025, featuring a main course selection of wagyu filet mignon or seared salmon. This tradition, established by Ben Hogan in 1952, requires the previous year's winner to curate the meal for all past green jacket recipients. The Rory McIlroy Champions Dinner will take place at Augusta National just two days before the tournament officially commences on April 9. Beyond the former champions, the only other attendee permitted at the table is Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley.

The evening begins with a diverse selection of four distinct appetizers designed to whet the appetites of the golf legends in attendance. McIlroy has selected peach and ricotta flatbread alongside rock shrimp tempura to open the service. These starters are complemented by bacon-wrapped dates and grilled elk sliders. Following the initial hors d'oeuvres, the first formal course served to the Masters Club members will be a yellowfin tuna carpaccio. This specific seafood selection marks a departure from the heavier soups often served during the early spring evenings in Georgia.

For the primary offering, guests have a choice between two protein options: the wagyu filet mignon or a seared salmon dish. Accompanying these entrees are three specific vegetable sides chosen by the Northern Irishman. The vegetable spread includes glazed carrots prepared with brown butter, sauteed Brussel sprouts, and crispy Vidalia onion rings. This meal follows McIlroy’s victory which ended a 17-year wait for his first green jacket at the iconic course. The inclusion of Vidalia onions pays homage to the local agricultural heritage of the state of Georgia.

To conclude the culinary presentation, McIlroy has requested a classic sticky toffee pudding. This dessert will be served with vanilla ice cream and a warm toffee sauce. Once the dinner concludes, the players will have one final day of practice on April 8 before the competitive rounds begin. Television coverage for the opening day of the Masters on April 9 is scheduled to air on ESPN from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The event serves as a final moment of camaraderie before the field returns to the serious business of competing for the next green jacket.

The historical significance of the Masters Club cannot be overstated, as it remains one of the most exclusive circles in professional sports. Since its inception over seven decades ago, the dinner has seen a wide variety of international cuisines reflecting the diverse origins of the tournament's victors. McIlroy’s choice of elk sliders introduces a game-meat element that contrasts with the more traditional beef and seafood staples. The wagyu beef selection represents a high-grade marbling standard often reserved for the most prestigious culinary events at Augusta National.

Logistics for the April 7 event are handled with extreme precision by the club's kitchen staff to ensure every former champion is accommodated. While the menu is set by the defending titleholder, the club provides alternative options for those with specific dietary restrictions, though the primary menu remains the focal point of the night. The seating arrangement typically follows a protocol where the oldest living champions are given positions of honor. This year, the focus remains on the Northern Irishman’s ability to balance his native influences with the regional flavors of the American South.

As the sun sets over the clubhouse on that Tuesday evening, the atmosphere transitions from the intensity of the practice range to the quiet reverence of the library. The 2025 menu reflects a sophisticated palate, moving from the crunch of the tempura to the delicate texture of the tuna carpaccio. The brown butter glaze on the carrots adds a rich, nutty profile to the vegetable course, ensuring that even the side dishes meet the rigorous standards of the membership. Every ingredient has been vetted to ensure the highest quality for the thirty-plus men expected to attend.

Following the meal, the focus shifts immediately to the Par 3 Contest held on Wednesday, which serves as the final public-facing event before the tournament proper. McIlroy’s role as host concludes once the last spoonful of toffee sauce is consumed, allowing him to pivot back to his pursuit of a second consecutive title. The 3 p.m. start time for the ESPN broadcast on Thursday will capture the first glimpses of the field as they navigate the challenging layout. With the menu now public, the countdown to the first tee shot on April 9 continues with heightened anticipation from fans and analysts alike.