Elk sliders among Rory McIlroy’s Masters menu picks

Rory McIlroy has included grilled elk sliders and one of his mother’s favourite dishes among four appetisers for the traditional champion’s dinner ahead of his Masters defence.

The Northern Irishman became one of only six players to complete the career Grand Slam with his play-off victory over Ryder Cup team-mate Justin Rose at Augusta last April.

Reigning champions select the menu for other previous winners at a dinner which takes place in the clubhouse on the Tuesday evening of Masters week.

Served in honor of Mr. Rory McIlroy. #themasters pic.twitter.com/hUp3uaQeNl

— The Masters (@TheMasters) March 18, 2026

Bacon-wrapped dates – inspired by McIlroy’s mother Rosie – will be served alongside the elk sliders (small burgers), in addition to rock shrimp tempura, and peach and ricotta flatbread.

“My mum does these really, really nice dates stuffed with goat cheese wrapped in bacon, so I put those on the appetisers list,” said McIlroy, according to the BBC. “So thanks to Rosie for that one.

“In the build-up to the Masters last year, I got this big shipment of elk and I was eating a lot of that, and I didn’t want elk to be the main course because I didn’t know if everyone would like that.

“I incorporated that into the appetisers so I’m doing grilled elk sliders, which I think is fun.”

Yellowfin tuna carpaccio has been chosen for the first course, replicating a dish from McIlroy’s favourite restaurant in New York City, Le Bernardin.

Wagyu filet mignon and seared salmon will be the options for the main course, with champ (mashed potatoes with spring onions) offered as a side dish, followed by sticky toffee pudding for dessert.

“It was just from the heart and from personal experience, and I guess a little bit of nostalgia for me