(CNN) -- When Jack Nicklaus gives you advice, it pays to listen. Rory McIlroy did so last year, and he won his first major tournament. 

Now, having missed three cuts in a row ahead of his U.S. Open title defense next week, the world No. 2 has again acted on the wisdom of one of golf's greatest champions. 

McIlroy had intended to pay his first visit to the host course, San Francisco's Olympic Club, just days before the season's second major tees off. 

But after a joint interview with Nicklaus, hosted by Shane O'Donoghue of CNN's Living Golf show, the 23-year-old decided to go there early and use the free window that opened up when he missed the weekend action at the Memorial Tournament run by the "Golden Bear." 

McIlroy had planned to go straight from Muirfield Village to Memphis for this week's St. Jude Classic in the hope that more competitive play would help restore the form that has made him the world's most exciting young player. 

But it was Nicklaus, winner of a record 18 major titles and joined by Tiger Woods on Sunday in second place on the PGA Tour roll of honor with 73 victories, pointed him in the right direction. 

"My wife has always had a statement, which is: 'There is no excuse for not being prepared,' " the 72-year-old said. 

"I know that there were times when I wasn't prepared and I got exactly what I deserved -- nothing." 

Woods revealed after his victory on Sunday that he had visited Olympic before the Memorial, and that it had been perfect preparation. 
when did Mcllroy plan to visit?
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just days before the season's second major tees off.
McIlroy had intended to pay his first visit to the host course, San Francisco's Olympic Club, just days before the season's second major tees off. 
Memphis
McIlroy had planned to go straight from Muirfield Village to Memphis
18 major titles
But it was Nicklaus, winner of a record 18 major titles
yes
When Jack Nicklaus gives you advice, it pays to listen
Rory McIlroy
Rory McIlroy did so last year, and he won his first major tournament
U.S. Open
U.S. Open title defense next week
he world's most exciting young player
he world's most exciting young player
Golden Bear."
run by the "Golden Bear."
Nicklaus wife
My wife
73 victories
73 victories