Rory McIlroy is currently on a break from golf as he prepares to defend his championship at Augusta National in three weeks. The golfer was recently observed relaxing away from the course during the 2026 Miami Open Round of 64. McIlroy was among the crowd for Carlos Alcaraz’s match against Joao Fonseca, after which the career grand slam winner Alcaraz paid respect to the 2025 Masters winner.
During his encounter, Carlos Alcaraz dominated the game from start to finish, winning after only two rounds. With his tremendous win, Alcaraz began to celebrate with the fans, and after spotting Rory McIlroy, he attempted a golf swing on the tennis court. Following Alcaraz’s homage, McIlroy was seen clapping, getting up, and smiling.
Tennis TV’s official X page also noted this homage with a post, sharing the video with a commentary that said,
“A wizard salutes a master 🤩”
From here, Carlos Alcaraz will face Sebastian Korda in the round of 32. On the other hand, following the 2026 Players Championship, Rory McIlroy took a three-week hiatus from the game to train at home. The golfer has stated that he would begin preparing for the 2026 Masters since he wants to defend the championship that he chased for more than a decade before winning it last season.
Aside from that, McIlroy recently also announced the Masters signature dinner menu for this season, claiming that he had it planned out long ago.
Rory McIlroy considers himself “presumptuous” for thinking about the Masters dinner menu in advance
The Masters dinner is an exclusive trademark event of the first golf major, where every Masters champion and the course’s chairman gather for a meal. This event takes place only on Tuesday of the tournament week, and the previous year’s champion determines what will be on the menu. Rory McIlroy decided the menu for this year, and in an interview, he disclosed that he had considered it even before winning the championship last season.
McIlroy explained,
“I think it would be pretty presumptuous to have a menu in your head before you actually win the tournament. But I always thought about, if I win the Masters one day, what would I want it to look like? What would I like to serve? I felt this time around, I wanted to do something that I would enjoy, but I wanted to do something that all other champions would enjoy, as well.”
Talking more about the Masters dinner this year, here’s a look at it too:
Appetizers
- Peach & Ricotta Flatbread: Balsamic, Hot Honey, Basil
- Rock Shrimp Tempura: Creamy Spicy Sauce
- Bacon-Wrapped Dates: Goat Cheese, Almonds
- Grilled Elk Sliders: Caramelized Onion Jam, Roasted Garlic Aioli
First Course
- Yellowfin Tuna Carpaccio: Foie Gras, Toasted Baguette, Chives
Main Course (Choice of)
- Wagyu Filet Mignon or Seared Salmon
- Traditional Irish Champ, Sautéed Brussels Sprouts
- Glazed Carrots with Brown Butter, Crispy Vidalia Onion Rings
Dessert
- Sticky Toffee Pudding: Vanilla Ice Cream & Warm Toffee Sauce
Beverages (Wine Pairings)
- 2015 Salon “S” Brut Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Champagne
- 2022 Domaine Leflaive Batard-Montrachet, Puligny-Montrachet, Burgundy
- 1990 Château Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac, Bordeaux
- 1989 Château d’Yquem, Sauternes, Bordeaux
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