Rory McIlroy defends controversial decision ahead of Masters after facing backlash

Jack Otway
Wed, 08 Apr 2026 12:36:58 +0000

Rory McIlroy has hit back at those questioning why his Masters champions dinner lacked traditional Irish fare, stating plainly that he wanted to actually enjoy the meal himself.

The Northern Irish golfer, who secured his career grand slam at Augusta last year, played host to fellow green jacket winners on Tuesday evening before this week's tournament gets underway.

When asked about the absence of distinctly Irish dishes, McIlroy offered a straightforward explanation.

"I was trying to achieve something that I would enjoy but, and it ties back to experiences that I've had, I also wanted it to be something that all the other people in that room would enjoy as well," he said.

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"People keep asking me, 'Why didn't you go more Irish?' And I said, 'Because I want to enjoy the dinner as well'."

The menu came with a price tag of approximately £251 per person, setting a new record as the costliest in the dinner's history.

McIlroy's selections drew from personal favourites and upscale culinary experiences, beginning with peach and ricotta flatbread, bacon-wrapped dates, rock shrimp tempura and grilled elk sliders.

The first course featured yellowfin tuna carpaccio alongside foie gras, a combination inspired by a beloved New York restaurant.

Guests faced a choice between wagyu filet mignon or seared salmon for their main, served with sides that did include one nod to his homeland: traditional Irish champ, complemented by sautéed Brussels sprouts, glazed carrots and onion rings.

To finish, a classic sticky toffee pudding arrived with vanilla ice cream and toffee sauce.

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McIlroy revealed that assembling the evening's offerings had been a pleasurable experience from start to finish.

The highlight, he explained, was gaining entry to Augusta National's renowned wine collection to make his selections.

"It's been fun to work through. The fun part was getting access to that wonderful wine cellar that they have," he said.

The champions dinner represents one of golf's most exclusive annual gatherings, with the tradition stretching back more than seven decades.

As host, McIlroy joined an elite group of just six players who have claimed all four major championships, placing him alongside legends including Tiger Woods in the sport's most prestigious club.

Despite the gathering's significance, several prominent figures were unable to attend this year's event, with both Woods and Phil Mickelson among those missing from the room.

McIlroy made clear before the dinner that he intended to pay tribute to the absent champions regardless.

"Unfortunately, there'll be a couple of guys who won't be in that room, which is a shame," he said. "I want to make sure that they're acknowledged as well they've been two of the greatest champions that The Masters has ever seen."

The County Down golfer's hosting duties came just months after his breakthrough victory at Augusta, which finally completed his collection of major titles.