Matt Fitzpatrick designs the first Defending Champion Burger at Fraser’s Tavern

The champion’s choice

Story By Karen Moraghan

Jim Nantz, who again will be on Hilton Head Island to lead CBS’s coverage of the 2024 RBC Heritage, has coined a phrase about The Masters that has oft been repeated: “A tradition unlike any other.”

One tradition provides for the previous year’s winner to choose the entire menu at the Champions Dinner, held in Augusta’s clubhouse on the Tuesday night of tournament week (which again will precede the RBC Heritage by one week). This practice has led to an eclectic array of dishes over the years, each reflecting the personal tastes, cultures and backgrounds of the champions.

For instance, Tiger Woods, after his first Masters win in 1997, famously chose cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches, french fries and milkshakes, a reflection of his youthful preferences at the time. In contrast, Scotland’s Sandy Lyle opted for a more traditional menu in 1989, featuring haggis, served with mashed potatoes and turnips, as a nod to his Scottish heritage.

Other memorable menus include Sergio Garcia’s Spanish-themed dinner in 2018, featuring gazpacho and paella, highlighting his Spanish roots. Similarly, Adam Scott’s 2014 menu paid homage to his Australian heritage, featuring seafood from his homeland, including Moreton Bay bugs, a type of lobster. The ritual dates back to 1952, all started by the great Ben Hogan, who captured The Masters in 1951.

Seizing on that idea, and for the first time, The Sea Pines Resort’s Fraser’s Tavern will be offering the Defending Champion Burger on its menu. It is custom-designed by Matt Fitzpatrick, who outlasted Jordan Spieth in a memorable playoff to win the 2023 RBC Heritage.

“We thought it would be a fun way to connect each year’s defending champion with our dining guests at Fraser’s Tavern,” said Ben Harris, resort executive chef, The Sea Pines Resort. “The Heritage Classic Foundation was excited about the concept and is very much behind it.”

Official PGA TOUR Headshots - Adam Scott

2014 Masters Champion, Adam Scott’s, dinner menu was a heartfelt homage to his Australian roots, spotlighting the diverse flavors of his homeland. Among the culinary treasures showcased were Moreton Bay bugs, a type of lobster.