2018 – Sergio García: The Spaniard invited his guests to an international salad as a starter, with ingredients chosen to represent the countries of the former Masters champions. The main course was the arroz corazóno de lobster, a traditional Spanish rice with lobster.
But what stood out most about García’s dinner was the dessert. He served ‘Angela García’s tres leches cake’. The inspiration is in the name and his wife provides the recipe.
2017 – Danny Willett: It became traditional, very traditional. Following his sublime and dramatic victory at the 2016 Masters, the Englishman seized the opportunity to serve homemade mini pies as a starter.
The Yorkshireman opted for the Sunday roast as his main course (rib, roast potatoes, vegetables and Yorkshire pudding). And for dessert, apple crumble and vanilla custard. But he wasn’t done there yet, as he also served coffee and tea with English cheese and biscuits.
2014 – Adam Scott: After missing out in 2011, the Australian pulled out all the stops when he got the chance to impress three years later at the dinner. Scott took to the grill and served Australian Moreton Bay bugs to accompany the steak.
He said they are actually insect-like lobsters. I’m not serving anything second rate tonight. I have to do everything I can to impress these guys.” If it worked, who knows. But he certainly was brave.
2012 – Charl Schwartzel: After besting Scott for the prestigious green jacket, Schwartzel served up a treat by throwing a full barbecue in Augusta.
The first course consisted of a seafood bar, which included shrimp, lobster, and oysters. For their main course, the champions dined on ‘braai’, a South African barbecue, including lamb chops, steaks and South African sausages. Vanilla ice cream dessert.
2009 – Trevor Immelman: Immelman, a proud South African, was truly inspired by his birthplace while hosting his own Champions Dinner.
After winning his only major at the Masters in 2008, the Cape Town-born golfer fed Nicklaus, Woods and Co South African bobotie, a mince pie with egg topping. It also provided a variety of popular local wines.
2005 – Phil Mickelson: Perhaps the most sophisticated dish. ‘Lefty’ wanted to bring some class to the table after his first Masters victory in 2004.
Although American, Mickelson opted for an Italian meal, serving lobster ravioli in tomato cream sauce, along with Caesar salad and garlic bread.
2004 – Mike Weir: He’s the only Canadian to win the Masters and stayed true to his roots by serving elk and wild boar to golf icons, along with local beers.
For those feeling less adventurous, Weir also gave them the option of fried chicken and filet mignon.
1998 – Tiger Woods: Remember, Woods was only 21 years old and still very young on the golf circuit when he hosted his first Champions Dinner. Maybe that explains why he opted for…let’s say a McDonald’s selection.
The 14-time Major winner served cheeseburgers, fries and shakes to the likes of Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Sam Snead. And ahead of the 2019 Masters, Woods revealed that hosting his first dinner party was “one of the most nervous moments of my life.”
1989 – Sandy Lyle: The Scot certainly made the most of his time in the spotlight. After his only triumph at Augusta, Lyle decided to wear a kilt and served Haggis’ Scottish specialty.
After his bold choice, Lyle said, “That seemed like a big statement.” The older boys, like [Jack] Nicklaus had been to Scotland and knew what haggis was. But the newer ones, guys like Larry Mize, weren’t so sure about that.
1986 – Bernhard Langer: A year after winning the first of his two Green Jackets, Langer returned with a bit of German culture. He became one of the first golfers to personalize and bring a bit of the flavor of his country to the table.
He opted for wiener schnitzel (breaded beef) and Black Forest cake, two popular foods in Germany.