Golf legend Jack Nicklaus to Rory McIlroy: “This is ridiculous”

Golf legend Jack Nicklaus recently shared an incredible story about Rory McIlroy ahead of the 2024 Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village. The tale harks back to 2010 when a young, 19-year-old McIlroy, despite already having one professional victory, sought guidance from Nicklaus at The Bear’s Club due to his struggles in closing out tournaments.

Nicklaus recounted the story when asked by young pro Isac Wallin for advice. He reminisced about McIlroy approaching him during the Honda Classic tournament, saying, “I can’t finish. I haven’t won in a year.” Nicklaus reassured him, emphasizing patience, sharing his own experience where he was advised to stay patient and trust that the wins would come with time.

Nicklaus recalled telling McIlroy, “You’re 19 years old. Be patient. It will happen.” He added a piece of wisdom he received early in his career: “One day, you won’t shoot 37 on the last nine holes; you’ll shoot 33 and win the tournament.”

Remarkably, McIlroy didn’t have to wait long to see the results. Just three weeks after their conversation, he claimed his first PGA Tour victory at the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow. His final round of 62 set a new course record and included six consecutive scores of three. This victory made McIlroy the first player since Tiger Woods to win on the Tour before turning 21.

Nicklaus humorously followed up with a note to McIlroy, saying, “I told you to be patient, but this is ridiculous.”

Today, McIlroy boasts 26 PGA Tour titles, though still significantly short of Nicklaus’ impressive 73. As McIlroy aims to add another title to his resume this weekend, Nicklaus also shared insights into how marriage affected Tiger Woods’ career, rounding out a session filled with wisdom and personal anecdotes from the golf icon.