Jack Nicklaus Gives Blunt Advice to Rory McIlroy: Avoid Double Bogeys
At Augusta National, Jack Nicklaus offered terse counsel to Rory McIlroy ahead of the 90th Masters. McIlroy relayed the advice during a pre-round interview with CBS Sports reporter Amanda Balionis.
Nicklaus, the message and history
Nicklaus, an 18-time major champion and six-time Green Jacket winner, spoke with McIlroy at the practice area. McIlroy said the Hall of Famer left him with blunt advice to avoid double bogeys.
McIlroy recalled Nicklaus’ exact words. “No f—ing double bogeys,” he told Balionis, saying Nicklaus thought he made too many the previous year.
Why the warning mattered
McIlroy had four double bogeys during the 2025 Masters. Two of those came in the final round of his sudden-death win.
That 2025 victory completed his career Grand Slam and marked his fifth major title. Nicklaus noted McIlroy’s talent and said he has a very good chance to repeat.
First-round play and leaderboard
On Thursday McIlroy followed the instruction. He carded a 5-under 67 and made only one bogey at the par-3 third hole.
He shared the opening-round lead with Sam Burns. That made McIlroy the seventh defending champion to hold or share the first-round lead the following year.
Past precedents
Jordan Spieth was the last to open as a defending champion in 2016, and he finished tied for second. Of the earlier six, Nicklaus remains the only player to successfully defend his title, in 1966.
Video and Friday update
The clip of the exchange has since been removed from the internet. McIlroy said the footage was scrubbed after the interview.
Through Friday, McIlroy sat alone atop the leaderboard. He made one bogey on the front nine and led the field going forward.
