Inside the Quirky Food Traditions of Augusta’s Most Exclusive Meal
At Augusta National, tradition runs deeper than the fairways—but when it comes to The Masters Champions Dinner, tradition takes a deliciously unpredictable turn.
Every year, on the Tuesday before The Masters tees off, golf’s elite gather behind closed doors for a meal that’s equal parts history, honor, and hometown flavor. But here’s the twist: the entire menu is chosen by the defending champion. And let’s just say… it’s not always what you’d expect from golf’s most prestigious club.
From Tiger’s all-American cheeseburgers and milkshakes, to Hideki Matsuyama’s elegant sushi spread, to Sergio Garcia’s Spanish tapas explosion—each dinner tells a story. And sometimes, that story gets the internet buzzing louder than a final-round roar at Amen Corner.
🎯 What’s Really on the Menu?
Let’s take a bite into some of the most memorable—and surprising—Champions Dinners in Masters history:
- Tiger Woods (1998): At just 22, Tiger kept it real. Cheeseburgers, fries, strawberry milkshakes, and no apologies. “I was a kid from SoCal—I wanted what I loved,” Tiger said.
- Hideki Matsuyama (2022): In a move that had sushi lovers drooling, Hideki served miso-glazed black cod, sushi, and wagyu beef. A classy, cultural tribute that went viral in Japan and beyond.
- Dustin Johnson (2021): A southern feast with pigs-in-a-blanket, filet mignon, sea bass, and peach cobbler. Georgia on his plate, quite literally.
- Sergio Garcia (2018): Spanish flair was on full display with arroz caldoso de bogavante (lobster rice) and jamón ibérico. Ole!
- Scottie Scheffler (2023): Cheeseburger sliders, firecracker shrimp, Texas ribeye steak. A meal that said: “I’m a Texan. Let’s eat like it.”
🤔 Why So Personal?
It’s not just about food. The Champions Dinner is a rare tradition where the newest winner gets to add their flavor to the club’s legacy—literally.
“You want to bring something from home,” said Zach Johnson, 2007 Masters winner. “It’s your one chance to tell the room who you are, through food.”
These menus often reflect the player’s roots, personality, or even just comfort food from their childhood. And that’s exactly why fans love dissecting them. They’re not just meals; they’re identity statements.
💬 Fans Weigh In: Food Fights & Favorite Picks
Each year, golf Twitter/X, Reddit, and Instagram light up as fans critique, recreate, or praise the new menu.
- “Hideki just raised the bar. That cod looks Michelin-starred!”
- “Tiger’s 1998 menu still wins. Burgers and shakes forever.”
- “Can someone invite me to Augusta for just one Champions Dinner? I’ll do dishes.”
Polls on social media often ask: Which Masters dinner would YOU choose?—and fans get wildly creative. From butter chicken to Korean BBQ, fans everywhere play fantasy chef.
🍽️ Want to Host Your Own Champions Dinner?
Here’s a fun idea: during Masters week, recreate your own Champions Dinner at home. Pick your personal favorites, print a custom menu, and invite friends to dress in green. Bonus: let the winner of your backyard putting contest pick next year’s menu!
Final Toast:
The Champions Dinner proves that even in golf’s most formal setting, a little flavor goes a long way. It’s a tradition that feeds more than just hunger—it feeds personality, pride, and a whole lot of social media reactions.
So the next time a Masters champ picks sushi, sliders, or something unexpected—remember: it’s not just a meal.
It’s a bite of legacy.
