It was an exclusive of sorts when I asked Grand Slam winning Rory McIlroy about his hosting of the up-coming Masters Champions dinner.
Of course, the Masters Champion Dinner is an annual occurence on the Tuesday night of Masters week when all the past champions, along with Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley gather within the clubhouse to enjoy a meal chosen by the reigning Masters champion.
This year it’s McIlroy to host the dinner and with five-time Masters champion, Tiger Woods guaranteed to be in attendance but no news from TW if he will tee-up in the tournament proper.
EXCLUSIVE …. McILROY’S @TheMasters CHAMPIONS DINNER
Rors asked as proud host of this year’s Augusta National former champions get together
Read: https://t.co/NFGeMcXvSS
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✅ @TOURMISS @Daily_Record (Bernie ) pic.twitter.com/DqJpC75mUI
— Fatiha (@TOURMISS) March 5, 2026
Turning now with my chat with Rory and suffice to say it was also one of my shortest interviews with Rors (smiling).
Let me set the scene.
McIlroy had just competed in the pre-Arnold Palmer Invitational Pro-Am and then hosted a chat with the media here at Bay Hill.
The official transcipt of his chat amounted to 2,190 words.
Then as he left the dias, Rors looked in such a friendly and relaxed mode I approached him, and as I have done in ‘annoying’ McIlroy since first meeting him in person when he earned his DP Tour card at the 2007 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at St. Andrews.
Here’s how my interview with the World No. 2 unfolded.
Bernie: Rors? Have you been asked about hosting the Augusta Champions Dinner?
McIlroy: No.
Bernie: Is it all sorted?
McIlroy: Yes,
Bernie: Can you tell me what is your choice for the main course?
McIlroy: No.
Bernie: Not even a hint? Irish Stew or Beef and Guinness Pie?
McIlroy: No
Bernie: Has you mum or Erica been working on the menu?
McIlroy: No.
Bernie: Thanks Rors, as always for your time.
Word count – 70. Bernie (smiling) 65 words, Rory 5.
