Jack Nicklaus gives firm verdict on hot PGA Tour topic: "And I always have"

Multiple major champion Jack Nicklaus has given his verdict on whether he believes PGA Tour stars should have a responsibility to speak with media. 

Several top names have limited their media interactions so far this season, leading to a broader conversation over whether it should be an obligation. 

Collin Morikawa was frustrated after he failed to end his PGA Tour drought at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in March. 

The two-time major champion decided not to speak to reporters in the immediate aftermath of what was a bitterly disappointing result. 

Russell Henley pipped him down the stretch when it looked as though Morikawa was going to win for the first time since the 2023 ZOZO Championship in Japan.

Former European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley explained those moments - where golfers are at their most vulnerable - make for compelling viewing. 

A week later Morikawa raised eyebrows by calling out Golf Channel analyst Brandel Chamblee and McGinley after listening to their constructive criticism.

Rory McIlroy has, at points, been uncharacteristically reserved in recent weeks.

The recently crowned Masters champion decided not to give any interviews after each round of the 2025 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow. 

McIlroy spoke to reporters on Tuesday of the tournament week in a 30-minute news conference but remained silent thereafter.

As McIlroy put the finishing touches on his first round it was revealed he was forced to change his driver after it failed its test of legality. 

He has still not given his side of the story and the assumption is that he was annoyed the news was leaked and sensationalised. 

Nicklaus was asked about the topic ahead of the 2025 Memorial at Muirfield Village. 

A reporter asked the Golden Bear: "Do you feel stars have a responsibility to talk to the media, which is a vessel to the fans?

"I'm not going to talk for Rory or anybody else," Nicklaus said. "I'll talk for myself. I've always felt that you guys have a job to do -- and gals -- and for you to do your job you need to talk to me. 

"And whether I played well or whether I played poorly, if you still want to talk to me, I'll talk to you. And I always have." 

Nicklaus surprised at Rory McIlroy no-show

McIlroy is a notable absentee this week. 

The Northern Irishman has decided to skip the signature tournament despite being a three-time winner of one of the most popular events on the PGA Tour schedule. 

His decision means that he has now skipped three signature events so far this season after giving the curtain-raiser in Hawaii and the RBC Heritage a miss.

In fairness to McIlroy, he begins every season in the Middle East and heads to America in February to begin his Masters preparations. 

He has also explained that he doesn't like Harbour Town Golf Links as a venue. 

The RBC Heritage is also always played a week after The Masters. 

McIlroy spent that week celebrating at home with his family in Northern Ireland. 

Nicklaus, though, expressed surprise at McIlroy's decision to skip the tournament and not even call him.

McIlroy has not missed the Memorial since 2017. 

"I mean, I'm a big Rory fan, I always have been," Nicklaus said of McIlroy's no-show. 

"I'm sure that I will remain that way. I just, I was a little surprised, yes."