Golf legend Jack Nicklaus has expressed his surprise at Rory McIlroy’s decision to skip this week’s Memorial Tournament, the annual event hosted at Muirfield Village. McIlroy, who recently claimed his first Masters title, is opting out of the tournament for the first time since 2017, making it the third PGA Tour Signature Event he has missed this season.
Speaking during his traditional pre-tournament press conference, Nicklaus addressed McIlroy’s absence with grace and understanding.
“Yeah, it surprised me,” Nicklaus admitted. “But guys have their own schedules and plans. I haven’t spoken with him about why he’s not playing, but it’s his call. I don’t hold anything against Rory. I know he likes to play multiple events in a row, and especially the week before the U.S. Open. So I assume that’s part of his thinking.”
Despite the snub, Nicklaus made it clear that his admiration for McIlroy remains unchanged. “I’m a big Rory fan. Always have been. And I’m sure I always will be,” he said.
Nicklaus also revealed that he had a private lunch with McIlroy ahead of the Masters, where they discussed his game plan for Augusta National. The meeting paid off, as McIlroy went on to secure an emotional playoff victory over Justin Rose.
Following the win, Nicklaus sent McIlroy a congratulatory message: “I told him, ‘I don’t think anyone’s ever won the Masters with four double bogeys,’” he said. “But that just shows how much talent he has, to overcome those mistakes and still win. He hit some unbelievable shots—the iron on seven that hit the tree, the one on 15, the clutch shot on 17.”
Reflecting on McIlroy’s missed putt on the 18th and his misstep at Rae’s Creek on 13, Nicklaus acknowledged the ups and downs of the final round. “It wasn’t perfect, but it was a great win. It got the monkey off his back—not just the Grand Slam, but the Masters itself. If you asked him which was more important, I think he’d say the Masters. The Grand Slam came as a result of finally conquering Augusta.”
Nicklaus’ comments underscore a deep mutual respect between two of golf’s most celebrated champions, even amid scheduling decisions that may raise eyebrows.