Jack Nicklaus reveals Tiger's retirement plans, drops knowledge on Rory McIlroy

Legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus has revealed Tiger Woods' retirement plans and outlined what Rory McIlroy needs to do to win more majors.

Ben Smith

05 Mar 2023

Jack Nicklaus reveals Tiger's retirement plans, drops knowledge on Rory McIlroy — Jack Nicklaus reveals Tiger's retirement plans, drops knowledge on Rory…

It has to be said Jack Nicklaus and Sir Nick Faldo know a thing or two about golf.

The two icons of the game spoke for more than an hour on Faldo's new podcast Round Table Chats.

Nicklaus spoke on a number of topics, from Tiger Woods' retirement plans to what he doesn't like about the LIV Golf League.

And the two discussed Rory McIlroy in major championships. Despite an illustrious career, McIlroy has only won four of the big ones.

The last time McIlroy tasted major championship success came in 2014 at the PGA Championship at Valhalla.

At the time, The Golden Bear remarked that McIlroy had the talent to perhaps eclipse his 18 majors. "I love his swing," Nicklaus said.

So what gives? Faldo put it to Nicklaus that McIlroy is perhaps too relaxed. "Even you admit you got in your own way at times," Faldo said.

Nicklaus said he absolutely agreed. Then dropped some knowledge:

"Well, I look at Augusta. Everybody knows Augusta pretty much. There's about six shots at Augusta that you better pay attention to: your tee shot at two, your second shot on 11, tee shot at 12, your tee shot at 13, and the second shot at 13, and the tee shot at 15.

"Those six shots, if you’ve played those shots smart, play them intelligently and put them in the conservative side of the ledger, the rest of the golf course is not very hard.

"Rory sometimes gets caught up in just playing golf and all of a sudden: Where did that eight come from?"

Nicklaus continued:

"And he's too good for that. He's too good of a player. And maybe he tries to keep himself too relaxed. I was never relaxed. I always wanted to be on point, every shot. I think you did too."

Nicklaus said you've simply got to play the round, and when you play the round well, 'That's your enjoyment.'

Faldo said:

"Agree, 100 percent. When these kids say they're going to go out and have fun tomorrow, how the hell do you have fun playing golf? It's exactly what you're saying. Everything's a challenge and you've enjoyed the challenge at the end of the day."

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Nicklaus said that was 'the fun', adding:

"And so I love the pressure. Pressure is what you live for. And so, that's what we did. I love Rory. I think he's a great guy. He's right now in the prime of his career. He's going to win more tournaments, more majors, I don't think there's any question about that. And when he wins more, he's going to win more than just one.

"But he's got to be able to not allow that to happen to him."

Scottie Scheffler is the defending champion of The Masters. Despite claiming the green jacket in 2022, Scheffler is not the favourite with the bookmakers.

Jon Rahm is, followed by McIlroy.

Next page: LIV exploited a weakness, says McIlroy