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McIlroy Skips Nicklaus’s Memorial, Heads to Canadian Open

Jack Nicklaus supported the five-time major champion’s decision to retool his schedule for US Open preparation under the PGA Tour’s flexible signature-event model.

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 is absent from the Memorial Tournament field after opting to play the RBC Canadian Open as a tune-up for the US Open.
  • Jack Nicklaus said he was “surprised” by McIlroy’s absence yet emphasized he holds no hard feelings toward the five-time major winner.
  • PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan highlighted the Tour’s model that allows players to tailor their schedules and voiced support for McIlroy’s choice.
  • McIlroy’s move reflects a growing pattern of elite golfers skipping signature events to focus on rest and major championships.
  • Defending champion Scottie Scheffler leads a star-studded Memorial field at Muirfield Village that also features rising talent Ludvig Aberg and other top-ranked competitors.