Rory McIlroy reveals the NSFW advice Jack Nicklaus gave him before the 2026 Masters
Jack Nicklaus approached Rory McIlroy on the range at Augusta National and gave some stern advice ahead of the 2026 Masters.
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.