Scottie Scheffler shares why he had to apologize for his Masters Champions Dinner
Scottie Scheffler shares why he had to apologize for his Masters Champions Dinner
In April, Scottie Scheffler will once again have the privilege of hosting the prestigious Masters Champions Dinner, a revered tradition in the golfing world. This will mark Scheffler’s second time fulfilling this role, and while the menu for this year’s dinner has yet to be revealed, one thing is almost certain: there will be no repeat of last year’s controversial dish.
When Scheffler hosted his first Champions Dinner, he curated a menu that aimed to please the diverse tastes of the golfing elite. Among the highlights was a warm chocolate chip skillet cookie, a universally beloved dessert that was well-received by the guests. However, one particular element of the menu caught many off guard, particularly the more seasoned golfers.
During a recent appearance on Barstool Sports’ Pardon My Take podcast, Scheffler recounted a humorous yet unexpected moment from the previous year’s dinner. According to Scheffler, the soup served that evening was a bold choice, one that had a surprising impact on his guests.
The dish in question was a tortilla soup, which Scheffler, despite his best intentions, inadvertently made excessively spicy. This turn of events led to a memorable reaction from the older members of the golfing fraternity. “Most of the older guys were seated to my left,” Scheffler explained to podcast hosts Big Cat and PFT Commenter. “When the soup was brought out, everyone began eating, only to find it was unbelievably spicy.”
The reaction was immediate and unmistakable. Scheffler described how the seasoned golfers began coughing and sweating as they struggled to cope with the heat of the soup. Their discomfort was palpable, and many of them looked over at Scheffler with expressions of surprise and confusion, clearly not expecting such a fiery dish. “They were all looking at me like, ‘Dude, what are you doing?’” Scheffler recalled with a chuckle. “I didn’t know it was going to be that spicy. I’m sorry, guys.”
In fairness to the veterans, the soup’s spiciness was not just a problem for them. Even Danny Willett, the 2016 Masters champion, admitted to having trouble with the dish. Willett revealed that he managed to eat the soup but not without voicing his concerns to Scheffler, asking if he was “trying to kill us” with the level of heat.
While the incident added a touch of unexpected drama to the evening, it was all in good fun. Scheffler’s intentions were not to sabotage his fellow competitors but rather to offer an unforgettable dining experience. Nevertheless, it served as a stark reminder of the importance of balancing culinary innovation with the expectations and preferences of one’s guests.
As Scheffler prepares for his second stint as the host of the Champions Dinner, the golfing world eagerly anticipates what he will serve this time. While the details of the menu remain under wraps, it is highly unlikely that a dish as incendiary as last year’s tortilla soup will make a repeat appearance. Scheffler, now firmly established as the World No. 1, will undoubtedly put together a menu that reflects both his culinary creativity and his respect for the distinguished guests who will join him at Augusta National.
No matter what is served on the plate, Scheffler’s presence as the defending Masters champion and top-ranked player will undoubtedly keep him in the spotlight come Masters Thursday. His skill on the course has already established him as a formidable competitor, and his role as host of the Champions Dinner adds an extra layer of intrigue to his participation in the tournament. Whether the dinner features a touch of spice or sticks to more traditional fare, one thing is certain: Scottie Scheffler’s Masters Champions Dinner will continue to be a highlight of the Masters experience.
