Rory McIlroy Leans on Jack Nicklaus to Land Elusive Green Jacket: Report

Rory McIlroy has won every Major Championship except for one: The Masters.

As he tries to complete the Career Grand Slam for the 11th time this year, he employed the help of the most successful player to ever win at Augusta National, according to a new report, as McIlroy met with Jack Nicklaus last week to discuss strategy for The Masters.

A report from The Athletic’s Gabby Herzig states that McIlroy and Nicklaus met for lunch the week before The Masters as the Northern Irishman heads into this week as the second-biggest favorite to win.

Nicklaus reportedly added that he “wouldn’t change a thing” to Rory’s prep for the first Major of the year:

🚨🍽️⛳️ #NEW: Jack Nicklaus reveals that he and Rory McIlroy met for lunch last week to discuss strategy, with the 6-time champion adding that he “wouldn’t change a thing” with regards to Rory’s prep. Nicklaus made the comments during this morning’s honorary starter press… pic.twitter.com/kfUiyQxDO5

— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) April 10, 2025

McIlroy has been close to winning at Augusta on several occasions, but he has never managed to find the strategy that will truly work. The stakes are high: Rory would be the first European to win the Career Grand Slam and only the sixth player ever to complete the Modern version of the Grand Slam.

Jack Nicklaus said that he asked Rory McIlroy last week to describe "shot for shot" how he was going to play Augusta National.

"He got done, and I didn't open my mouth," Nicklaus said. "I said I wouldn't change a thing. That's exactly the way I would try to play the golf…

— Sean Martin (@PGATOURSMartin) April 10, 2025

McIlroy entered the week behind only Scottie Scheffler with the best odds to win.

Cover Image via X