Golden Bear Says He Wasn’t Contacted About Masters Champion’s Tournament Absence

DUBLIN, Ohio — Even completing the career Grand Slam apparently doesn’t shield Rory McIlroy from controversy, as his absence from this week’s Memorial Tournament has created an unexpected stir involving tournament founder Jack Nicklaus.

The Golden Bear revealed Tuesday that McIlroy didn’t reach out to inform him about skipping the Memorial for the first time since 2017, leaving Nicklaus surprised by the Masters champion’s absence from the field.

“I really don’t know why Rory didn’t talk to me,” Nicklaus said during his pre-tournament press conference. “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 what he has to do. And I understand, because I had to do the same thing. We just weren’t included this year.”

Protocol Expectations

The situation has drawn attention because of the established protocol when PGA Tour icons host tournaments. Players with a history of competing typically extend the courtesy of a phone call when deciding to skip an event. The most famous example involved Rickie Fowler, who once drove to Orlando to have lunch with Arnold Palmer and personally explain why he couldn’t play at Bay Hill.

Golf reporter Dan Rapaport captured the sentiment of many when he wrote on X: “Rory not calling Jack to tell him he’s not playing Memorial is not it. 5 mins would’ve gone a long way.”

Close Relationship Makes Absence More Notable

What makes the situation more surprising is the close relationship between McIlroy and Nicklaus. The Northern Irishman is a member at Nicklaus’ home course, The Bear’s Club in Jupiter, Florida, and he specifically sought out the 18-time major champion before the Masters to discuss strategy for Augusta National.

Nicklaus confirmed he hasn’t spoken to McIlroy since that Masters victory, though he did send a congratulatory letter, as he does for all major champions.

Diplomatic Response

Despite the surprise, Nicklaus remained diplomatic when discussing McIlroy’s decision, refusing to criticize the four-time major winner.

“I am not throwing Rory under the bus,” Nicklaus said. “I like Rory too much. He’s a good kid. He’s played some great golf. He’s had a lot of things that have happened to him. He’s got to make his own call on things. Could he have done them differently? Probably. But that’s all right. I could probably have done some of mine differently, too. I’m not complaining about Rory.”

Schedule Adjustments

McIlroy is set to play next week’s RBC Canadian Open ahead of the U.S. Open at Oakmont. Since 2021, he had played both the Memorial and Canadian Open back-to-back, making this year’s schedule change notable. McIlroy won the Canadian Open in 2019 and again in 2022 when the tournament returned after being canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19.

The absence also continues McIlroy’s recent pattern of limited media availability. He hasn’t spoken publicly since the eve of the PGA Championship and turned down media requests after all four rounds at Quail Hollow.

“I’m a big Rory fan. I always have been. I’m sure that I will remain that way,” Nicklaus concluded. “I just… I was a little surprised, yes.”