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Rory McIlroy opted to skip the Memorial Tournament, hosted by Jack Nicklaus, for only the second time since 2010.

Nicklaus expressed surprise at McIlroy's decision, noting he had not received direct communication from the golfer about his absence.

While acknowledging his surprise, Nicklaus defended McIlroy's right to manage his own schedule.

The Memorial returned to its traditional schedule slot this year after Nicklaus advocated for the change.

Jack Nicklaus won’t throw Rory McIlroy under a bus even if he thinks the newest member of the grand slam golf club probably missed the boat by not letting the Memorial Tournament host know he would skip it.

McIlroy chose to not play the Memorial Tournament this week , only the second time since 2010 he bypassed the P

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