JACK Nicklaus has revealed that Rory McIlroy did not give him a call before pulling out of the Memorial Tournament.
Nicklaus, 85, founded the prestigious event in 1976.
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Rory McIlroy and Jack Nicklaus have had a good relationship down the yearsCredit: Getty
Masters champion McIlroy, 36, has been a regular at Muirfield in Dublin, Ohio.
The Northern Irishman last missed the event in 2017, but won’t be there this year.
McIlroy’s decision has led to criticism from several fans.
But Nicklaus has refused to stick the boot in.
The golf legend said: “I am not throwing Rory under the bus.
“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.”
Jack Nicklaus has blunt response after Rory McIlroy is slammed for ‘disrespectful’ Memorial Tournament decision
Nicklaus went on to reveal that he did not receive a call from McIlroy.
The 18-time Major champion added: “I really don’t know why Rory didn’t talk to me.
“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.”
McIlroy has played in two events since his Masters triumph in April.
He finished T7 at the Truist Championship earlier this month.
McIlroy then logged a disappointing +3 at the PGA Championship.
The Masters champ subsequently headed to Bilbao, Spain, to watch his beloved Manchester United lose to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final.
