Nicklaus still ‘big fan’ of Rory McIlroy but 'surprised' by his Memorial Tournament absence

Jack Nicklaus (right) remains a “big fan” of Rory McIlroy (left), despite the Masters champion missing his Memorial Tournament (Jane Barlow/PA)

Jack Nicklaus admitted he was surprised that Rory McIlroy was not competing in his Memorial Tournament this week, but insisted he remained “a big fan” of the Masters champion.

McIlroy is skipping Nicklaus’ annual event at Muirfield Village for the first time since 2017, meaning he will not have contested three of the PGA Tour’s Signature Events so far this season.