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yesterday

McIlroy Skips Jack Nicklaus’s Memorial Tournament Without Warning

Tuned up at the RBC Canadian Open before the U.S. Open, he did not inform Nicklaus of his decision to withdraw

May 25, 2025; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Scottie Scheffler watches his shot from the first tee during the final round of the Charles Schwab Challenge golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images/File Photo
Jack Nicklaus shakes hands with Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland on the 18th green during the final round of the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday at Muirfield Village Golf Club on June 04, 2023 in Dublin, Ohio.
PGA Tour's Rory McIlroy Has a Masters Truth Bomb Dropped on Him by Jack Nicklaus. (Image Collage | Credits: Getty Images)
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Overview

  • Rory McIlroy, fresh off his historic Masters victory, opted out of the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village to hone his game at the RBC Canadian Open ahead of the U.S. Open.
  • Jack Nicklaus said he learned of McIlroy’s withdrawal last week, expressed surprise that he was not contacted directly, and confirmed he holds no grudge.
  • The 85-year-old course founder had advised McIlroy ahead of his Masters title and sent him a congratulatory note afterward.
  • Fans and commentators criticized the five-time major champion for skipping his third PGA Tour signature event this season without a courtesy call.
  • McIlroy’s absence reflects a growing trend of elite golfers tailoring schedules around major preparation rather than traditional Tour stops.