Rory McIlroy makes Masters history before even hitting a shot

Jack Otway
Wed, 08 Apr 2026 07:07:03 +0000

Rory McIlroy hosted the annual Masters Champions Dinner at Augusta National on Tuesday evening, though the gathering was marked by the conspicuous absence of two legendary former winners.

Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson were both missing from the prestigious event, which brought together green jacket holders from Jack Nicklaus to Scottie Scheffler.

The 2025 champion's dinner set a new record as the most expensive in the tournament's history, costing $318 per head according to The Sun.

That figure represents more than triple what Scheffler spent on his menu the previous year.

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McIlroy, the 36-year-old Northern Irishman, pledged to honour both absent champions during the evening's proceedings.

"Unfortunately, there will be a couple of guys that won't be in that room, which is a shame," he told the Golf Channel. "But I want to make sure that they're acknowledged as well."

Woods' absence has cast a shadow over this week's tournament following his arrest for driving under the influence in Florida.

The 50-year-old, who has claimed five Masters titles, is currently receiving treatment abroad after police reportedly discovered two opioid painkillers on his person following a rollover crash.

The incident occurred shortly after Woods participated in the TGL virtual golf league's final day, marking his first competitive appearance since July 2024.

According to authorities, the 15-time major champion displayed "several signs of impairment," with officers noting his eyes appeared "bloodshot and glassy" with "extremely dilated pupils."

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Mickelson's reason for missing the dinner remains less clear, with the three-time Masters winner staying away due to illness within his family. Between them, Woods and Mickelson have won eight green jackets.

McIlroy curated an eclectic spread for his fellow champions, blending contemporary touches with traditional fare.

Starters featured grilled elk sliders and peach and ricotta flatbread alongside yellowfin tuna carpaccio, while the main course offered guests a choice between wagyu filet mignon and seared salmon.

The Northern Irishman included one nod to his homeland with traditional Irish champ, a classic mashed potato dish. However, he deliberately limited the Celtic influence on the menu.

"People keep asking me, 'Why didn't you go more Irish?'" the golfer explained at Tuesday's press conference. "And I said, 'Because I want to enjoy the dinner as well.'"

Guests finished with toffee pudding and ice cream, accompanied by a 1989 Chateau d'Yquem from Bordeaux priced at $650 per bottle.

While McIlroy chose not to criticise Woods publicly, fellow professional Jason Day offered a more pointed assessment when addressing reporters on Monday.

"He's just a human being like everyone else and we have struggles," Day said. "It's unfortunate. The only thing that I don't understand is that it's a little bit selfish of him to drive and put other people in harm's way, as well."

The 2015 PGA Championship winner suggested Woods' legendary determination may have contributed to his decision to get behind the wheel.

"But when you're the player that he was and how strong-willed he is, he thinks he can do almost anything," he said.

Despite his criticism, Day emphasised his deep respect for the fallen champion: "He was my hero - he's my hero. The reason why I play golf is because of this tournament and Tiger."

In bodycam footage from the arrest, Woods told officers he was "hoping to" compete at Augusta, adding that it "depends on y'all."