Nicklaus responds to McIlroy's Memorial snub

Jack Nicklaus admitted he was left "surprised" that Rory McIlroy opted to skip this week's Memorial Tournament.

The 18-time major champion is the host for the annual PGA Tour event at Muirfield Village, which typically draws a very strong field.

But it is missing the name of McIlroy after the Northern Irishman decided not to play for the first time since 2017.

Asked if he had been informed of the decision by McIlroy himself, Nicklaus said: "I didn't have a conversation with him, no."

And did that surprise the 85-year-old?

"A little bit," he added.

McIlroy enjoyed an incredible start to 2025, winning the Pebble Beach Pro-Am, the Players Championship, and then completing the career Grand Slam by claiming a first Masters title.

After getting the monkey off his back at Augusta National in spectacular fashion, many fancied McIlroy to challenge at the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow, a venue he has enjoyed plenty of success at previously.

However, he failed to ignite, barely making the cut and eventually settling for a T47 finish.

He has spoken recently about wanting to streamline his schedule, and with McIlroy set to play in next week's RBC Canadian Open and then the US Open at Oakmont, Nicklaus ultimately understood his position.

"Yeah, it surprised me," he continued. "But, you know, guys have got schedules and got things they do. And, you know, I haven't talked to him for him to tell me why or why not. It's just his call.

"I made a lot of calls that I had to make when I played to play or not play, and sometimes it wasn't as popular as people thought it was. But, you know, sometimes you have to make those calls.

"I don't hold anything against Rory for that. He did what he likes to play. I know he likes to play so many in a row. He likes to play the week before a US Open. And so he, that's what he's doing. So, you know, I really don't have a comment on it. It's very difficult, very difficult.

"I'm a big Rory fan, I always have been. I'm sure that I will remain that way. I just, I was a little surprised, yes."