A Texas-Inspired Feast Fit for Golf Legends**
The Masters Tournament is not only a showcase of golfing excellence but also a celebration of tradition, camaraderie, and fine dining. One of the most anticipated events each year is the **Champions Dinner**, where past winners gather for a meal curated by the defending champion. In 2025, **Scottie Scheffler**, the reigning Masters champion, hosted an unforgettable evening filled with Texas-inspired flavors, nostalgic dishes, and a touch of humor.
## **The Tradition of the Masters Champions Dinner**
The **Champions Dinner** was first introduced in **1952** by **Ben Hogan**, who envisioned a gathering where past winners could connect before the tournament. Over the years, the event evolved into a prestigious affair where the defending champion selects the menu, often reflecting their heritage or personal favorites.
This year, **Scheffler**, a two-time Masters winner (2022, 2024), opted for a menu that paid homage to his **Texas roots**, childhood memories, and even a playful nod to a recent injury .
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## **Scottie Scheffler’s 2025 Champions Dinner Menu**
### **Appetizers: Comfort Food with a Personal Touch**
Scheffler kicked off the evening with three appetizers, each with a special meaning:
1. **"Scottie-Style" Cheeseburger Sliders** – A fan favorite from his 2023 dinner, these sliders feature **thin patties with cheese between each layer and French fries stacked on top**. Scheffler explained, *“I always put the fries on my burger—that’s what ‘Scottie style’ is.”* .
2. **Firecracker Shrimp** – A returning dish, served with **sweet Thai chili and sriracha mayo** for a spicy kick .
3. **Papa Scheff’s Meatball & Ravioli Bites** – A heartfelt addition inspired by his father’s cooking. Scheffler recalled, *“My dad’s meatballs were the best growing up.”* The ravioli also humorously referenced his **hand injury in December 2024**, which occurred while making homemade ravioli with a wine glass .
### **First Course: A Spicy Texas Twist**
- **Texas-Style Chili** – Replacing the infamous **"spicy as hell" tortilla soup** from 2023 (which left past champions sweating), this chili was inspired by Scheffler’s coach, **Randy Smith**. Though still featuring jalapeños, it was expected to be more manageable than the tortilla soup that **Nick Faldo** could only tolerate *"one spoonful"* of .
### **Main Course: A Choice of Texas Staples**
Guests could select between:
- **Wood-Fired Cowboy Ribeye** – A hearty, smoky steak.
- **Blackened Redfish** – A lighter, Cajun-inspired option.
**Sides included:**
- **Mac & Cheese** (a returning favorite)
- **Jalapeño Creamed Corn**
- **Soy-Glazed Brussels Sprouts** (an upgrade from the 2023 fried version)
- **Chipotle-Lime Roasted Sweet Potatoes** (replacing fries) .
### **Dessert: A Sweet Finale**
- **Warm Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie** – Served with **vanilla bean ice cream**, a slight tweak from the 2023 version, which had milk-and-cookies-flavored ice cream .
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## **The Stories Behind the Dishes**
### **1. A Nostalgic Nod to Family**
Scheffler’s inclusion of **his father’s meatballs** and ravioli highlighted his family’s influence. He joked about avoiding another injury, saying, *“Maybe they’ll cut up my steak for me. I won’t have to use a knife.”* .
### **2. The Infamous Tortilla Soup Replacement**
The 2023 tortilla soup became legendary for its heat, with **Fuzzy Zoeller** exclaiming, *“I about gagged!”* and **Sandy Lyle** needing to *“swab his forehead.”* This year’s chili aimed for bold flavor without the burn .
### **3. A Repeat Performance with Tweaks**
Scheffler admitted, *“It’s my favorite foods, haven’t quite changed too much.”* While the core menu mirrored his 2023 selections, the additions (like the meatballs) and side upgrades kept it fresh .
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## **How Does This Compare to Past Champions’ Dinners?**
- **Jon Rahm (2024)** – Featured Spanish tapas, Basque ribeye, and a puff pastry dessert .
- **Tiger Woods (1998)** – Went casual with **cheeseburgers, milkshakes, and fries**; later menus included sushi and steak fajitas .
- **Sandy Lyle (1989)** – Served **haggis, mashed potatoes, and turnips**, embracing his Scottish roots .
Scheffler’s **Tex-Mex theme** continued a trend of champions personalizing their menus, blending comfort food with fine dining.
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## **Conclusion: A Night of Tradition, Flavor, and Fun**
The **2025 Masters Champions Dinner** was a reflection of **Scottie Scheffler’s personality**—down-to-earth, family-oriented, and unafraid to poke fun at himself. From **"Scottie-style" sliders** to a chili that (hopefully) didn’t bring tears, the meal celebrated golf’s greatest in true Texas fashion.
As Scheffler prepares to defend his title, this dinner served as a reminder that beyond the competition, the Masters is about **legacy, camaraderie, and great food**.
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**Sources:** [PGATour.com], [BBC Sport], [Sporting News], [Yahoo Sports], [People], [Golf.com]
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