Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) has finally realized his long-held dream of becoming the host of the Champions Dinner.
On Monday (local time), 34 people wearing green jackets gathered at the clubhouse of Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, U.S., for a group photo, dinner, and conversation.
This year's host of the Champions Dinner is McIlroy, who won his first Masters last year. The Champions Dinner is a Masters tradition that began in 1952 at the suggestion of golf legend Ben Hogan (U.S.), where the defending champion hosts a dinner for past champions and key members of Augusta National. It is held two days before the tournament begins.
The Champions Dinner has a tradition of the defending champion showcasing the culinary characteristics of their country or region. McIlroy prepared a 12-course menu including bacon-wrapped dates as a Northern Irish-style appetizer, fried shrimp, and wagyu filet mignon. While the menu was designed according to McIlroy's preferences, the dishes were prepared by Augusta National GC chefs.
