FANS were left gushing at Jon Rahm’s “perfect” Masters dinner complete with a superb menu.
One of the many traditions ahead of the first major of the golf calendar each year sees the defending champion choose the menu for the meal.
X @TheMastersJon Rahm set the menu for the 2024 Champions Dinner at the Masters[/caption]
X @TheMastersHe opted for a Spanish theme for the meal[/caption]
X @TheMastersThere was even a personal touch to his grandma’s recipe[/caption]
X @TheMastersThe full menu went down a storm on social media[/caption]
The first Champions Dinner was held back in 1952 when Ben Hogan returned as the winner while Tiger Woods once opted to dish up burgers, fries and milkshakes.
Only previous Masters champs and the Augusta National chairman are invited to the exclusive banquet, staged in the clubhouse on the Tuesday before the tournament gets underway on Thursday.
Following his emphatic victory 12 months ago, Jon Rahm was the man in charge of sorting out this year’s dinner – and covering the cost.
And the Spaniard did not disappoint.
After giving a welcoming speech to his fellow golfing legends, Rahm served up a sumptuous spread inspired by the Basque ace’s Spanish roots.
The six small tapas plates included Iberian ham, cheese, Spanish omelette, chorizo, creamy chicken fritters and his grandma’s very own lentil stew.
Rahm, who designed the menu with chef Jose Andres, said: “He called my grandma for the recipe.
“If somebody doesn’t like it, please, just don’t tell me. Don’t tell anyone, actually. It means a little bit too much to me to hear it.”
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A Basque crab salad followed before a choice of main course for the likes of Woods, Phil Mickelson, Gary Player, Scottie Scheffler and Danny Willett.
They could either opt for a ribeye steak or turbot fish with a puff pastry cake with custard and Chantilly cream for dessert.
Rahm added before the big night: “I wanted to put a little bit of my heritage and my family into this dinner, which is going to make it even more special.
“Hopefully I get to do it again, but I wanted to make sure the Basque heritage was there.
“Everybody I talked to seems very excited about the menu, which, if anything, has put a lot more pressure on me, even though I’m not cooking.
“I’m definitely a little nervous.”
Unsurprisingly, the mouth-watering menu went down an absolute storm with the fellow champions as well as fans dreaming of tucking in.
Player wrote on X: “Tonight, we celebrated Jon Rahm’s outstanding accomplishment last year and also remembered our friend Jackie Burke Jr [1956 Masters winner who died aged 100 in January].
“Hard to believe I am now this table’s elder statesman until my time is up. Will cherish every moment.”
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And salivating fans flooded social media with brilliant comments in response to the menu and stunning setting.
One said: “Not a thing about this photo that isn’t perfect.”
Another wrote: “Rahm’s menu is too die for. I’m sure Hideki Matsuyama’s was the best of all time, though.”
A third added: “Always love seeing what’s on the club dinner menu every year of the Masters and this year is no exception. My man Rahm really delivered and now I’m extremely hungry.”
A fourth replied: “The selections of food and wine are phenomenal.”
And a final user typed: “Best menu ever served at the Masters – and it’s not close. That Turbot dish is to die for – although I expect most/all of them will pick the rib-eye. IMHO – Basque cuisine is the best on the planet.”
Rahm sparked controversy by defecting to LIV Golf last December – turning his back on the PGA Tour as the highest-profile star to accept the Saudi millions.
It is understood the Ryder Cup hero was paid a whopping £480million to join LIV.
Rahm was joined by 32 other Masters champions on Tuesday night, including six of his fellow LIV rebels.
Angel Cabrera could not attend as he is banned from entering the USA after being jailed for domestic violence while Sandy Lyle is with his ill wife.
X @TheMastersThe Augusta clubhouse provided the perfect setting[/caption]
X @TheMastersThe venue is steeped in golfing history[/caption]
X @TheMastersA red wine was picked out for the occasion[/caption]
X @TheMastersOnly former Masters champions and the Augusta chairman are invited[/caption]
X @TheMastersThey wore their green jackets for Tuesday’s celebration[/caption]
X @TheMastersThe flowers reflected the colour in the Spanish flag[/caption]