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When a six-time Masters champion gives you advice on how to play the tournament, you listen, even if you’re Rory McIlroy. That’s just what happened at Augusta National’s Tournament Practice Facility on Thursday ahead of the first round, when Jack Nicklaus gave McIlroy some final words of “encouragement” before Rory teed off.
Speaking to Amanda Balionis on Friday before his round, McIlroy revealed Jack’s advice.
“No f---ing double bogeys,” the 18-time major champ told McIlroy. “Apparently he thought I made too many last year,” McIlroy added with a smile.
In light of Nicklaus' advice, let's recall McIlroy’s historic 2025 victory. The completion of the career Grand Slam. The end of a 11-year major drought. The collapse … the comeback. A not-so-glamorous piece of history was made as well, as McIlroy became the first player to make four double bogeys en route to winning the Masters. There were the two in the final round—the shaky start at No. 1 and the half shank at No. 13—but don’t forget his tournament was nearly derailed on Thursday.
MORE: Rory McIlroy's liberation arrived right back where it began
Coming to the par-5 15th cruising along at four under, McIlroy was well-positioned to post a score near the lead. He chipped it into the water and made double bogey. Two holes later on No. 17, he made another double, and after a first-round 72, he was seven shots back of leader Justin Rose.
The 86-year-old Golden Bear is still calling it like he sees it. The Amazon Prime telecast quickly cut to Terry Gannon, who sitting next to Nicklaus asked if McIlroy quoted him accurately.
“Pretty accurate, yes. Right to the word,” Nicklaus said with a laugh.
Turns out Rory takes advice well, as his opening round five-under 67 featured … no double bogeys. Thanks, Jack.
MORE FROM GOLF DIGEST @ THE MASTERS
Masters 101: Answering all your frequently asked questions
How to watch the 2026 Masters
Power Rankings: Every player in the Masters field, ranked
Tee times for Round 1 and Round 2
50 defining Masters Moments, ranked
The most memorable Rules issues in Masters history
Every course change ever made at Augusta National
A brief history of Masters prize money payouts
15 people who ended up in the Masters penalty box
The Champions Dinner Tell-All, from those inside the room
Continue reading...
Speaking to Amanda Balionis on Friday before his round, McIlroy revealed Jack’s advice.
“No f---ing double bogeys,” the 18-time major champ told McIlroy. “Apparently he thought I made too many last year,” McIlroy added with a smile.
In light of Nicklaus' advice, let's recall McIlroy’s historic 2025 victory. The completion of the career Grand Slam. The end of a 11-year major drought. The collapse … the comeback. A not-so-glamorous piece of history was made as well, as McIlroy became the first player to make four double bogeys en route to winning the Masters. There were the two in the final round—the shaky start at No. 1 and the half shank at No. 13—but don’t forget his tournament was nearly derailed on Thursday.
MORE: Rory McIlroy's liberation arrived right back where it began
Coming to the par-5 15th cruising along at four under, McIlroy was well-positioned to post a score near the lead. He chipped it into the water and made double bogey. Two holes later on No. 17, he made another double, and after a first-round 72, he was seven shots back of leader Justin Rose.
The 86-year-old Golden Bear is still calling it like he sees it. The Amazon Prime telecast quickly cut to Terry Gannon, who sitting next to Nicklaus asked if McIlroy quoted him accurately.
“Pretty accurate, yes. Right to the word,” Nicklaus said with a laugh.
Turns out Rory takes advice well, as his opening round five-under 67 featured … no double bogeys. Thanks, Jack.
MORE FROM GOLF DIGEST @ THE MASTERS
Masters 101: Answering all your frequently asked questions
How to watch the 2026 Masters
Power Rankings: Every player in the Masters field, ranked
Tee times for Round 1 and Round 2
50 defining Masters Moments, ranked
The most memorable Rules issues in Masters history
Every course change ever made at Augusta National
A brief history of Masters prize money payouts
15 people who ended up in the Masters penalty box
The Champions Dinner Tell-All, from those inside the room
Continue reading...
