Rory McIlroy hosts Masters Champions Dinner amid notable absences
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, reports BritPanorama.
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, representing more than triple what Scheffler spent on his menu the previous year.
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 found two opioid painkillers on him 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.
Authorities noted that the 15-time major champion displayed “several signs of impairment,” including bloodshot eyes and extremely dilated pupils. Mickelson’s reason for being absent 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 menu for his fellow champions, blending contemporary touches with traditional fare. Starters included grilled elk sliders and peach and ricotta flatbread alongside yellowfin tuna carpaccio. The main course offered guests a choice between wagyu filet mignon and seared salmon. McIlroy included one nod to his homeland with traditional Irish champ, a classic mashed potato dish, although he limited the Celtic influence on the menu. “People keep asking me, ‘Why didn’t you go more Irish?'” he explained. “And I said, ‘Because I want to enjoy the dinner as well.’
Guests concluded their meal with toffee pudding and ice cream, complemented 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 during a press conference. “He’s just a human being like everyone else and we have struggles,” Day commented. “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.”
Day noted that Woods’ legendary determination might have influenced his decision to drive. Despite his criticism, Day expressed 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 conveyed his hope to compete at Augusta, stating that it “depends on y’all.”
As the Masters approaches, the conversation surrounding its storied history and the vulnerabilities of its icons takes centre stage, reminding us of the precarious intersection of sports and personal battles.
