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Rory McIlroy admitted the Masters will miss Tiger Woods during his speech at the 2026 Champions Dinner. As is tradition at Augusta, the defending champion hosts an event in the clubhouse for all previous winners of the green jacket at which he gets to select what everyone eats.

An assembly of golfing greats tucked into appetisers of peach and ricotta flatbread, rock shrimp tempura, bacon-wrapped dates and grilled elk sliders for starters, followed by Yellowfin tuna carpaccio for a first course. But both Woods and Phil Mickelson were absent from the event.

Mickelson announced last week he will miss the tournament as he has stepped away from golf "for an extended period" because of a family health matter. While Woods has left the United States to seek treatment after being charged with driving under the influence following a car crash near his home in Florida last month.

And when asked what McIlroy said about their absence, 1971 champion Tommy Aaron revealed to Golfweek: "Rory kept it brief. He said that we miss Tiger and that he has to do whatever he has to do to take care of himself."

While Charles Coody, the 1971 Masters winner, also revealed to Golfweek: "Rory said all the right things. He didn't get emotional, but he gave a great welcome speech about how much he appreciates being here."

McIlroy will launch his Masters title defence on Thursday alongside world Cameron Young and amateur Mason Howell. The Northern Irishman is bidding to become only ‌the fourth player to repeat as Masters champion.

However, speaking on Wednesday, he admitted he took more time thinking about his speech at the Masters champions' dinner than he did planning the menu. He said: "I've thought about it a lot. Honestly, I've probably thought about that (the speech) more than the food.

"So many legends of the game there. Obviously there's two (Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson) that won't be with us this year, which is a shame, but I'm sure they will be with us in the future.

"But talking in front of that group, I want to say the right things and make sure I get my feelings across of how grateful I am to be a part of that group.

"I'll follow Ben Crenshaw's lead. I know he'll direct the run of show a little bit, but I have a few remarks that I want to make."

On the choice of menu, McIlroy said: "I was trying to achieve something that I would enjoy but - and it ties back to experiences that I've had - also wanted it to be something that all the other people in that room would enjoy as well.

"People keep asking me, 'Why didn't you go more Irish?' And I said, 'Because I want to enjoy the dinner as well'.

"It's been fun to work through. The fun part was getting access to that wonderful wine cellar that they have."