In a surprising turn of events, Jack Nicklaus, the legendary golfer and host of The Memorial Tournament, expressed his astonishment at Rory McIlroy's decision to skip the event this year. This marks the first time since 2017 that McIlroy will not be participating in the prestigious tournament, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

A Relationship Built on Golf McIlroy, a member at Nicklaus' home course, The Bear's Club in Jupiter, Florida, has a longstanding relationship with the golf icon. Their bond was highlighted earlier this year when McIlroy sought Nicklaus' advice on mastering Augusta National ahead of the Masters. Despite this, Nicklaus revealed that he has not spoken to McIlroy since his historic win at the Masters, where McIlroy completed the career Grand Slam.

Communication Breakdown Nicklaus, respectful of McIlroy's scheduling decisions, refrained from making a big deal out of his absence. "I really don't know why Rory didn't talk to me," Nicklaus stated, emphasizing that McIlroy has to make a schedule that works for him. He recalled his own experiences of making tough decisions about tournaments during his playing days.

A Gesture of Congratulations Despite the lack of communication, Nicklaus did send McIlroy a letter of congratulations, a gesture he extends to all major champions. This act underscores the admiration Nicklaus has for McIlroy, whom he describes as "a good kid" and "a great golfer."

Looking ahead, McIlroy is set to compete in the RBC Canadian Open next week, followed by the U.S. Open. His absence from The Memorial adds an unexpected twist to the lead-up to these major events. Nicklaus remains a steadfast supporter, stating, "I'm a big Rory fan. I always have been."

Final Thoughts While Nicklaus was surprised by McIlroy's decision, he respects the younger golfer's choices. "I don't hold anything against Rory for that," Nicklaus concluded, highlighting the mutual respect and understanding that defines their relationship in the world of golf.