Jack Nicklaus Smiles as He Confirms Rory McIlroy’s Claim at the Masters
via: Imago
via: Imago
Rory McIlroy received simple instructions from a legend. Before his round at the Masters, Jack Nicklaus gave him blunt advice about avoiding costly mistakes. Now, that advice appears to be paying off.
The 36-year-old shared what Nicklaus said during the practice round while in conversation with Amanda Balionis on Friday.
"No f****** double bogeys. Apparently, he thought I made too many last year," Rory McIlroy recalled with a smile in the clip Sports on Prime shared.
When Jack Nicklaus was later asked if that was an accurate recollection, he confirmed it with a brief response: "Pretty accurate."
The advice was a direct reference to McIlroy's 2025 win at The Masters. However, his progress was not consistent, as he went on to become the first player to make four double bogeys in a Masters-winning run.
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL - MARCH 12: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland on the tenth hole during THE PLAYERS Championship on March 12, 2026 at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fl. Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire GOLF: MAR 12 PGA, Golf Herren THE PLAYERS Championship EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon260312042309
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL - MARCH 12: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland on the tenth hole during THE PLAYERS Championship on March 12, 2026 at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fl. Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire GOLF: MAR 12 PGA, Golf Herren THE PLAYERS Championship EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon260312042309
Two of those occurred in the final round, one at the opening hole and another at the 13th. During the opening round, he reached the par-5 15th at four under and in position to post a low score.
McIlroy’s chip found the water, leading to a double bogey. On the 17th, he added another double and closed with a 72, leaving him seven shots behind Justin Rose after day one.
McIlroy’s 2026 performance shows how he has applied the 86-year-old golf legend’s advice.
Rory McIlroy Sets the Pace at The Masters Heading Into the Weekend
At the halfway stage of the tournament, the five-time major champion Rory McIlroy moved into the lead after a second-round 65 on Friday, taking his total to 12-under par.
The shift came late in the round, as he made birdies on six of his final seven holes to move ahead of the field. By the 36-hole mark, the lead extended to six shots, the largest at this stage in the tournament’s history.
Behind him, Patrick Reed and Sam Burns were tied for second at 6-under, with Tommy Fleetwood, Shane Lowry, and Justin Rose at 5-under.
This also marks his return as defending champion after the 2025 win, and after two rounds, he is set to play in the final group on Saturday alongside Burns.
Do you think Rory McIlroy can hold on and win again at the Masters? Tell us in the comments and follow Club Golf for more.
Written by
Aditi Singh
Edited by
Sagnik Bagchi