Nicklaus Surprised by McIlroy's Absence at the Memorial: What Happened?

DUBLIN, Ohio – Jack Nicklaus expressed his surprise at Rory McIlroy’s decision to withdraw from the Memorial Tournament, a competition that the Northern Irish golfer had not missed since 2017. In addition, he revealed that he has not had communication with McIlroy since the latter was crowned champion of the Masters, thus completing the Grand Slam in his career.

Nicklaus, host of the tournament celebrating its 50th anniversary, responded briefly when asked about McIlroy’s absence, avoiding dramatizing the situation.

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 keep his commitments. And I understand that, because I had to do the same thing.
Jack Nicklaus

McIlroy plans to participate in the RBC Canadian Open next week, before the U.S. Open. Since 2021, he had played the Memorial and the Canadian Open consecutively.

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

Although they haven’t spoken directly since then, Nicklaus sent him a congratulatory letter, as he usually does with all major champions.

Traditionally, when a player with a history in the tournament decides not to participate, it is common for them to contact the host. An example of this was Rickie Fowler, who traveled to Orlando, Florida, to have lunch with Arnold Palmer and explain his absence from Bay Hill.

When asked if it would be protocol for McIlroy to call him, Nicklaus replied:

I’m not going to criticize Rory. I have a lot of affection for him. He’s a good guy. He’s played incredible golf. A lot has happened to him. He has to make his own decisions. Could he have acted differently? Probably. But it doesn’t matter. 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. The tournament was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and McIlroy won again in 2022.

I haven’t spoken to him to find out why or why not. It’s his decision. I made many decisions, when I played, to play or not to play, and sometimes they weren’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 expressing his admiration for McIlroy: