Jack Nicklaus urges Rory McIlroy to ‘step back’ after noticing growing problem at Players Championship

Golf legend Jack Nicklaus wants to see Rory McIlroy take his foot off the gas sometimes on holes that require a bit more finesse than going straight and long.

McIlroy is one of the best for distance off the tee in PGA Tour history with only Cameron Champ averaging further with his drives in 2024.

His strength and power was clear for all to see during an impressive first round at the Players Championship on Thursday.

The four-time major champion showed his strength off the tee with six drives being 300 yards or longer.

He ranks in the top five for average driving distance at this year’s Players Championship through the opening three rounds.

However, he’s been unable to be as accurate off the tee as most of his peers.

According to Data Golf, McIlroy ranks 56th out of the 73 players who made the cut for driving accuracy.

During McIlroy’s opening round, which included 10 birdies, McIlroy’s inaccuracy off the tee ended up causing him some problems.

He found the water on holes 18 and seven on Thursday with both tee shots leaking to the left.

Nicklaus, who won a record 18 majors during his illustrious career, is a big fan of how far McIlroy can hit the ball.

However, the 84-year-old golfing icon wants to see McIlroy take a step back on holes that require a softer touch than just hitting it long.

“Rory will do a little bit of what he did there on the 18th,” Nicklaus said on Golf Channel earlier in the week.

“Every once in a while he puts himself in a position he really didn’t need to be in.

“I mean, I don’t want to question Rory because that’s not my position.

“But I would like to see Rory take advantage of what he can take advantage of – his ability to hit long, his ability to hit straight.

“And when he has holes where he can’t [do that]step back a little.”

LATEST SPORT NEWS:

Rory McIlroy confronted by Viktor Hovland and Jordan Spieth over controversial drop at Players ChampionshipMcIlroy’s awkward confrontation at Players Championship can help save the sportJordan Spieth makes admission about controversial Rory McIlroy incident at Players Championship

McIlroy was the co-leader with Xander Schauffele after the first round at TPC Sawgrass.

But he dropped back down the leaderboard after a disappointing day on the course on Friday.

The 34-year-old bounced back on Saturday by carding three birdies in the final three holes to leave him eight shots off the lead overnight.