The Masters is one of the most prestigious golf tournaments in the world, and the Masters Champions Dinner is one of the most highly anticipated events of the week. Each year, the reigning champion of the tournament hosts a dinner for all previous Masters champions, creating a tradition that dates back to the inaugural tournament in 1934. However, the 2023 dinner hosted by the reigning champion has caused quite a stir among golfers and fans alike, due to the menu being labeled as “way too spicy.” In this article, we dive into the controversy and explore what exactly was on the menu, who was in attendance, and how it all played out at the 2023 Masters Champions Dinner.
On Tuesday evening in Augusta National’s clubhouse, past 33 Masters champions gathered for the most anticipated Champions Dinner in recent memory. For the first time in tournament history, the room included active members of LIV Golf, six to be exact, including Phil Mickelson, who skipped the annual festivities last year for personal reasons. Despite expectations that things may get heated, no mention of the Saudi-backed league was made, and the night was very much a celebration of reigning green jacket winner Scottie Scheffler. Larry Mize was the first past champion to arrive, followed by the others. Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh, and Phil Mickelson shared words, and Fred Couples and Sergio Garcia chatted amiably over dinner. There were mixed reactions to the spicy tortilla soup but everyone enjoyed the firecracker shrimp and cheeseburger sliders for the appetizer, Texas ribeye steak and blackened shrimp for the main, and warm chocolate chip cookie skillet for dessert.
The dinner began with Ben Crenshaw reading a letter written by Ben Hogan to club co-founders Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts in 1954. Crenshaw then introduced Scheffler, who delivered a touching speech while admitting to being emotional. While Larry Mize had trouble speaking, Sandy Lyle’s speech went on smoothly. The night went off without a glitch and promptly ended at 8:59 pm, with zero disruption or hurt feelings. Everyone left the clubhouse feeling satisfied, though none had any soup to-go.
In conclusion, the 2023 Masters Champions Dinner proved to be a spicy affair, with the culinary creations of Chef Jose Andres setting tongues ablaze. While some golfers may have found the heat overwhelming, it was clear that the bold flavors and adventurous menu pushed the boundaries of what is expected at this prestigious event. With each passing year, the Champions Dinner reminds us that golf is not just a sport, but a celebration of culture, cuisine, and camaraderie. We can only imagine what culinary delights await us at next year’s event, but one thing is for sure – it will be anything but bland. Until then, we’ll have to settle for our garden-variety hot sauce and dream of the next time we can sample the daring dishes of the Masters Champions Dinner.
