The PGA Championship is steeped in tradition, but few events are as anticipated by the winners’ circle as the PGA Champions dinner. Held on Tuesday night of tournament week, this exclusive gathering brings together past champions for an evening of storytelling and high-end cuisine. The tradition follows a strict rule: the previous year’s champion curates the entire menu.
For the 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club, that responsibility fell to World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler. Moving away from the regional themes of his past celebrations, Scheffler leaned into his personal heritage to create a menu centered on Italian-American comfort.
Scottie Scheffler’s 2026 Menu: A Nod to New Jersey Roots
While widely recognized as a Texan, Scottie Scheffler was born and raised in New Jersey, and his mother, Diane, is of Italian descent. This family background heavily influenced his selections for the 2026 dinner.
Aronimink Golf Club Executive Chef John Ferguson, who crafted the meal, revealed the menu’s foundational elements in an interview with CBS News. The centerpiece of the evening was a high-quality, locally raised chicken parmesan. To round out the meal, Scheffler opted for a refreshing dessert course featuring three flavors of gelato: lemon, strawberry, and raspberry.
A Shift from the 2025 Masters Theme
Scheffler’s choice of Italian-American staples marks a significant departure from his 2025 Masters Champions dinner. During his celebration at Augusta, Scheffler embraced his Texas ties with a menu featuring:
- Appetizer: Cheeseburger sliders.
- First Course: Texas-style chili.
- Main Course: A choice between wood-fired cowboy ribeye or blackened redfish.
Recalling Xander Schauffele’s 2024 Feast
The prestige of the dinner often leads to lavish menus, though the champions themselves don’t always remember the details. During a pre-tournament press conference at Aronimink, 2024 champion Xander Schauffele admitted he “can’t even remember” the specific items he chose for his meal.
Despite Schauffele’s memory lapse, the records show his 2024 menu was an exercise in luxury. The evening began with a series of sophisticated appetizers, including:
- Smoked goat cheese dates
- Pickled watermelon
- Clams casino shooters
- Steak and bleu cheese crostini
The main course was equally decadent, featuring Wagyu NY strip steak paired with blackened jumbo shrimp, whipped sweet potatoes, and a bourbon bone marrow reduction.
PGA vs. Masters: The Traditions Compared
While the PGA Champions dinner shares similarities with the Masters’ version, there are key differences in history and logistics. The Masters tradition is older, dating back to 1952, whereas the PGA Champions dinner began in 1965.
The most significant difference, however, is the bill. At the Masters, the previous year’s winner is responsible for footing the entire cost of the dinner. In contrast, the PGA of America pays for the PGA Champions dinner each year, removing the financial burden from the champion.
Key Takeaways: PGA Champions Dinner
- 2026 Curator: Scottie Scheffler focused on Italian-American favorites, specifically chicken parm and three flavors of gelato.
- 2024 Curator: Xander Schauffele opted for a high-end menu featuring Wagyu beef and bourbon bone marrow reduction.
- Financials: Unlike the Masters, the PGA of America covers the cost of the Champions dinner.
- Venue: The 2026 event took place at the Aronimink Golf Club.
Looking Ahead
As the tournament progresses, the Champions dinner remains a vital part of the PGA Championship’s culture. It provides a rare moment of camaraderie where current World No. 1s and legendary veterans can connect over a meal before the pressure of the first tee takes over.