Skilled golf is filled with traditions and rituals that make every event distinctive. Final yr, the Rocket Mortgage Traditional was the stage the place Rickie Fowler triumphantly broke his three-year winless drought, igniting followers and his profession. He can be trying to defend his hard-earned title, as spherical one of many RMC has taken off to seek out its champion.
However what occurs behind the scenes when a champion is topped? From the storied historical past of the Masters to the thrill of the Rocket Mortgage Traditional, each occasion has its particular attraction. Slightly-known custom has been gaining momentum, and it’s about to make its mark on the golf world in a giant manner.
Rickie Fowler’s flavorful honor with a customized tribute
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues under this advert
Rickie Fowler acquired a mouthwatering shock at his pre-tournament presser within the Detroit Golf Membership – his very personal signature sandwich, “Rick’s Pick”! That’s proper, a sandwich. This tasty tribute is a part of the Rocket Mortgage Traditional’s distinctive custom of honoring champions, which began final yr, with a particular concession for the followers the next yr. It’s not fairly internet hosting the Grasp’s Champions Dinner, however it’s a fragile contact.
Final yr’s winner, Tony Finau, impressed the “Finau Fitu” and now followers can delight their style buds with “Rick’s Pick” on the Detroit Golf Membership. Chef Colin John of caterer Forte Belanger collaborated with Fowler’s spouse, Allison, and his workforce to craft the proper sandwich.
On how the sandwich was made, and the components used Chef John stated, “It’s on a brioche bun with Boar’s Head Cajun turkey with shredded lettuce, pickles, pepperoncinis, mayonnaise, and then it has vinegar, oil and oregano on it as well. So not crazy, we didn’t want to overthink it, so I know sandwiches are one of your favorite foods. So dig in, let us know what you think.”
“I appreciate it,“ the 35-year-old responded with surprise.
He also added how often he likes to eat sandwiches, “This is one of my standard kind of go-to orders for lunch back home, whether it’s at the course or a local sandwich shop. Hopefully, fans here will be able to enjoy it a little bit.”
They not solely launched this to the 6-times PGA Tour winner, however the assembled media members additionally obtained to get pleasure from it. Many followers would additionally marvel how this all began; honoring the champions and treating them with a customized culinary creation. So let’s delve a bit extra into this.
Honoring champions, a convention born with legendary Ben Hogan
We already know that the Masters is famously known as “a tradition unlike any other.“ But perhaps one of the most exclusive is the Champions Dinner, where the defending champion curates a menu that showcases their personal taste. Going back to 1952 when Ben Hogan, the 64-time winner on the PGA Tour, started the Masters Club dinner as an idea for all the Masters champions to have dinner together.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
From then on, this became an annual event, typically on the Tuesday before the tournament begins. This year, Jon Rahm hosted this year’s dinner in his Spanish style. His menu included Gernika peppers, Gildas (an anchovy skewer), and lentil stew. In 2023, World No.1 Scottie Scheffler, a Texas native, had a delicious Tex-Mex-style offering during his dinner. Before that the Japanese, Hideki Matsuyama, the 2021 Masters champion, had a menu featuring sushi and wagyu beef.
The list keeps on going, but the tradition stays. The dinner allows them to share stories, reflect on their victories, and enjoy each other’s company in an intimate setting. Now, Rocket Mortgage Classic’s initiative adds to the honor of the previous champions, and the best part? Fans get to enjoy it too! What do you think of this year’s “Rick’s Pick”? Share your ideas within the feedback part under.