Jack Nicklaus reveals ‘no double bogeys’ Masters advice to Rory McIlroy

Jack Nicklaus has revealed he told Rory McIlroy to avoid double bogeys moments before the Northern Irishman secured his second consecutive Masters title.

The 18-time major champion shared the details of their brief exchange during a press conference ahead of this week’s Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village.

McIlroy completed the career grand slam with his breakthrough victory at Augusta National in 2025, before successfully defending the coveted Green Jacket earlier this year.

Nicklaus, who holds the course record with six Masters victories, detailed how he approached the defending champion on the practice tee.

Focus on limiting damage

“I was getting ready to go to the first tee to do our opening, and I put my hands on his shoulders, and I said to him ‘no double bogeys’,” Nicklaus explained.

The legendary American noted that while the European star dropped a few shots over the weekend, keeping a clean scorecard early on proved crucial.

He added that he was delighted for the six-time major winner and admitted he has always been a massive supporter of his career.

A shot-for-shot strategy

The 86-year-old also reflected on the meticulous preparation that laid the foundation for his friend’s maiden triumph at Augusta two years ago.

The pair shared a lunch the weekend before the 2025 tournament where they discussed tactical approaches to the famous Georgia layout.

“Rory went through it shot for shot, and he said: ‘What do you think?’ And I said: ‘Well, I wouldn’t change a thing’,” Nicklaus recalled.

According to the tournament host, McIlroy only deviated from the plan once during his opening victory, choosing an aggressive line on the third hole during Sunday’s final round.

That bold decision resulted in a crucial birdie from the base of the hill which ultimately helped seal the historic win.

Completing the golfing CV

Following back-to-back major successes, expectations are high as the world-class golfer arrives at the Memorial Tournament.

The invitational event remains one of the few prestigious titles missing from an otherwise glittering professional resume.

“Now he’s only got one thing left on his resume that he really needs to have and that’s to win here at the Memorial Tournament,” Nicklaus concluded.