Disappointing Silence: Rory McIlroy Criticised for Overlooking Golf Legend and Mentor Jack Nicklaus

Golfing great Jack Nicklaus expressed his surprise at Rory McIlroy’s decision to forgo the Memorial Tournament for the first time since 2017. He revealed that he hasn’t been in touch with the Northern Irish star since McIlroy secured his career Grand Slam by winning The Masters.

Nicklaus kept his comments brief regarding McIlroy, aiming to downplay the significance of his absence from this year’s tournament, which is marking its 50th anniversary.

“I truly don’t understand why Rory hasn’t reached out to me,” Nicklaus shared. “That’s a question I can’t answer. It’s just one of those things.”

“I recognise that he must create a schedule that suits him, as I had to do in my time,” he added. “This year, we just weren’t part of the equation.”

Nicklaus mentioned that he had heard murmurs about McIlroy’s potential absence as far back as last week but only received confirmation when the final list of entrants was released this week.

This coming week, McIlroy is set to compete in the RBC Canadian Open before heading to the US Open. He had participated in both the Memorial and Canadian Open consecutively each year since 2021.

Adding to the intrigue was the nature of their relationship.

McIlroy is a member at Nicklaus’ home course, The Bear’s Club in Florida, and had consulted with Nicklaus prior to The Masters for advice on playing Augusta National.

Although Nicklaus has not communicated with McIlroy since that meeting, he did send a letter of congratulations, as he traditionally does for all major champions.

Typically, when a PGA Tour legend hosts a tournament, players with ties to the event usually reach out if they opt out. For instance, Rickie Fowler once made a point to travel to Orlando to discuss his decision to skip Bay Hill with the legendary Arnold Palmer.

When asked if it would have been customary for McIlroy to inform him beforehand, Nicklaus raised his hands in defiance.

“I’m not putting Rory in a difficult position,” he stated.

“I think highly of Rory. He’s a good lad. He’s played some fantastic golf and faced various challenges. Ultimately, he must make his own decisions.”

“Could he have handled it differently? Perhaps. But that’s fine. I could have approached some of my decisions differently too.”

“I’m not holding anything against Rory,” he added.

McIlroy has not made any public comments since the day before the PGA Championship, turning down media requests after completing all four rounds at Quail Hollow.

He previously won the Canadian Open in 2019, but it was cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic; he returned to win it again in 2022.

“I haven’t had the chance to speak with him to understand his reasoning. Ultimately, it’s his decision,” Nicklaus concluded.

“I made a lot of my own calls during my career regarding whether to play or not, and sometimes they weren’t received as well as I would have liked.”

“But sometimes those decisions have to be made. I don’t bear any ill will towards Rory for his choice.”

“I’m a big fan of Rory. I’ve always been. I have no doubt that will continue,” he said. “I just … I was a bit taken aback, yes.”