This year will mark the 40th anniversary Jack Nicklaus won the 1986 Masters to capture his 18th Major Championship title.
In six weeks time Rory McIlroy will again tee up at Augusta National striving not only to win a first ‘Green Jacket’ but complete golf’s Grand Slam.
Last Sunday, Nicklaus was asked if the pressure Jordan Spieth is facing in defending his Masters title can in some way lift some pressure off McIlroy’s shoulders as he seeks to win on the Georgia golfing gem for a first time.
“The thing is Rory’s still got to play,” said Nicklaus.
“He’s still got to shoot the lowest score. Just because you guys are going to write about it, it has nothing to do with what he thinks about it.
Legendary Jack Nicklaus has hinted perhaps Rory McIlroy should consider having a chat with the Golden Bear before heading to Augusta and a quest, for a second year running, to win the Grand Slam.
“He’s going into Augusta trying to win the golf tournament. That’s what he’s going to Augusta for. Whether you guys are talking about it being easier because of Jordan, that’s silly. It’s what you guys have to do. You guys have to fill up space.”
However with McIlroy seemingly enjoying a good relationship with someone nearly 60 years his senior Nicklaus hinted perhaps McIlroy should sit down to have a chat with the ‘Golden Bear’ and, if anything, to take some of the pressure of McIlroy’s shoulders that was obvious a year ago.
“I don’t think I have ever talked to Rory much about playing that course,” the six-time Masters winner explained. “The only thing you have got to do is hit it long and straight and putt well. Make a few chips when you don’t quite make it. That’s all you do on any golf course.
“There is no real mystery to it. It’s just how you do it. Don’t do the foolish stuff. Most people ask me and there are about six tough shots at Augusta. Don’t try to do things you really aren’t comfortable with and you say, man I got away with that.
“Then the next day, you decide to try and get away with it again and that’s when you lose the golf tournament. You keep your discipline.”
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