Nicklaus Surprised by McIlroy's Absence at the Memorial

DUBLIN, Ohio – Jack Nicklaus expressed his surprise at Rory McIlroy’s decision not to participate in the Memorial, marking the first time the golfer has been absent since 2017.

The legendary golfer, host of the tournament celebrating its 50th anniversary, has not had communication with McIlroy since the latter won the Masters, thus completing the Grand Slam of his career.

I really don’t know why Rory didn’t talk to me. I can’t answer that question. There’s nothing I can answer. I know he has to make a schedule that works for him and what he has to do. And I understand that, because I had to do the same thing.
Jack Nicklaus

McIlroy plans to play the RBC Canadian Open next week, before the US Open. Since 2021, he had participated in the Memorial and the Canadian Open consecutively.

The situation is even more unexpected given the relationship between the two. McIlroy is a member of Nicklaus’ golf course, The Bear’s Club, and sought advice from Nicklaus before the Masters on how to play at Augusta National.

Although Nicklaus hasn’t spoken to McIlroy, he sent him a congratulatory letter, as he usually does with all major champions.

When a PGA Tour icon hosts a tournament, it’s common for players with a history at the event to reach out if they decide not to participate.

When asked if McIlroy should have called Nicklaus, the latter responded cautiously.

I’m not going to criticize Rory. I like Rory a lot. He’s a good guy. He’s played great golf. A lot has happened to him. He has to make his own decisions. Could he have done things differently? Probably. But it’s okay. I could have done some things differently too.
Jack Nicklaus

McIlroy hasn’t made any public statements since the eve of the PGA Championship and declined media requests after all four rounds at Quail Hollow.

McIlroy won the Canadian Open in 2019 and, after the event’s cancellation in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, won again in 2022.

I haven’t spoken to him to tell me why or why not. It’s his decision. I made many decisions that I had to make, when I played, to play or not to play, and sometimes it wasn’t as popular as people thought. But sometimes you have to make those decisions. I don’t hold a grudge against Rory for that.
Jack Nicklaus

Nicklaus concluded by stating his admiration for McIlroy.