Scottie Scheffler explains unique Masters menu after backlash over £84 meal

Defending champion has addressed the controversy surrounding his menu choices for the Champions Dinner, which is scheduled to take place on Tuesday evening.

has been met with mixed reviews since its announcement last month, with some questioning the level of sophistication of Texan-inspired dishes. The unique menu, which includes cheeseburger sliders served 'Scottie style', chilli, steak, and meatballs, has been described as nostalgic and personal to Scheffler, drawing inspiration from his dad's own cooking.

While it has received praise from some, including a "10/10" from golfer-turned-influencer Paige Spiranac, others have criticised it for being too casual for the esteemed event. Speaking at his official champion's press conference, Scheffler explained the reasoning behind his choices. "I mean, I really love the appetizers," he said.

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"I think my dad's meatballs are on the menu, and the sliders are the way I like 'em. "It's my favorite foods, haven't quite changed too much but there's a little bit, I would say, more kind of nostalgic stuff."

The dinner's price tag of £84 ($108) per plate has also been a point of contention, with some viewing it as overpriced considering the menu offerings.

It's also the lowest price ever charged for the Champions Dinner, with Hideki Matsuyama's 2021 dinner costing £171 ($220) per plate. Scheffler however, remains optimistic that the menu will make for an enjoyable evening, as per .

"Then the soup, my coach (Randy Smith) makes the best chilli," he said. "So I think they are trying to use his recipe for the chilli inspiration. So that's really fun, those two things, and then I think we're doing ribeye again, and some red fish and tequila and bourbon this time.

"It should be a fun night, fun meal, and very excited about being able to host a Champion's Dinner again and very excited to see how it's prepared and what the chefs at Augusta pull off this year."

The champion's dinner is one of The Masters' great traditions, with all owners of a green jacket invited to join the reigning winner for a meal chosen by them two nights before the tournament begins.

Scheffler is hosting the dinner for the second time after getting his hands on the coveted green jacket in 2022.

Yet his latest menu hasn't changed too drastically from then, with the 28-year-old also favouring food that featured heavily during his childhood for the 2023 edition of the meal.

Following a stunning 2024, Scheffler is yet to secure a win in the six tournaments he's competed in this season.

A freak injury to his hand, suffered while preparing Ravioli no less, kept him out for some time, yet he will still be viewed as one of the favourites for the title when the action gets underway on Thursday, April 10.