What Jack Nicklaus did for Charl Schwartzel just before the Masters started in 2011 which helped him win the tournament

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The 2011 Masters Tournament will ultimately haunt Rory McIlroy right up until he eventually wins a green jacket.

14 years ago, the Northern Irishman held a four-shot lead heading into the final round only to capitulate on the tenth and Amen Corner.

South African Charl Schwartzel would eventually claim victory after carding a stunning six-under-par final round. Schwartzel finished two shots clear of Aussi duo Jason Day and Adam Scott and four clear of Luke Donald, Geoff Ogilvy and Tiger Woods.

Jack Nicklaus’ advice to Charl Schwartzel at the 2011 Masters

After McIlroy’s collapse at Augusta National took the headlines, some of Schwartzel’s post-round comments were easily overlooked.

The South African revealed that he had lunch with Jack Nicklaus before his Masters victory, where the Golden Bear shared valuable hints and tips with him.

“The lunch with Mr. Nicklaus was actually set up by Mr. Rupert,” Schwartzel said. “It was at Ernie’s Autism Golf Day last year, and I went to go sit with Mr. Rupert and he introduced me to Jack. I’ve never met Jack. I was really excited. I knew he sort of liked hunting a little bit. That’s the way I got the conversation going, just by talking about hunting.

“And he, Mr Rupert, said to him, ‘Can you maybe take Charl? Just give him a few tips to play Augusta.’ Just thinking it’s going to be just a vaguely quick little thing, and he actually took the time to take me through all 18 holes the way he used to think around Augusta and the way he used to play it, which flags he used to attack.”

Schwartzel added: “The big thing for me was I had never, ever seen Augusta. Now, he’s taking me through — (laughter) — he’s taking me through how to play Augusta. I’ve only seen it on TV. And now I’m in the presence of Mr. Nicklaus, and it’s such a big awe. I’m just staring at it and taking in what I can.”

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Charl Schwartzel’s record after the 2011 Masters

After his 2011 Masters Tournament win, Schwartzel was billed as the next big thing, but the South African never really lived up to expectations.

Schwartzel performed well in the remainder of 2011’s major championships before ending the year 4th in the Race to Dubai. However, stateside, the South African struggled for form and only landed his second PGA Tour title in 2016, coming at the Valspar Championship.

Now, the South African is part of the LIV Golf League after resigning his PGA Tour membership in 2022. He would win the inaugural event in London and is now part of Stinger GC, which is made up of Louis Oosthuizen and Dean Burmester. Branden Grace was also part of the line-up but was relegated upon the conclusion of the 2024 season.

Grace featured at the Promotions Event but came up short in his attempt to regain his breakaway league status.