Jack Nicklaus was surprised world No. 2 Rory McIlroy did not contact him about bypassing this year's Memorial, but won't throw him under the bus.

Nicklaus asked the crowd. Upon learning his wife of 64 years, who is the 2025 Memorial Tournament honoree, was not yet in the media room, he added, “OK, good, I can talk.” Laughter all around.

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland interacts with Jack Nicklaus after finishing the final round of the 48th Memorial Tournament presented by Workday at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio ...