Jack Nicklaus has criticised Rory McIlroy's plan to play the week before he defends his US Open title.

The pair were together during an interview on CNN and Nicklaus took the opportunity to question McIlroy's decision to play in this week's St Jude Classic in Memphis.

Nicklaus asked: "Did you play the week before The Open last year?"

McIlroy replied: "No."

The 18-time major winner then went on to offer advice to McIlroy about tournament preparation before admitting that he wants the Northern Irishman to "get smart" soon.

Nicklaus said: "In 1962 when I turned pro I played the week before the Masters. People wanted me to play and I didn't do well. I skipped that tournament the next year and I won the Masters.

"I went back to that tournament the next year and didn't win the Masters. Then I skipped it the next year and won the Masters. Skipped the tournament the year after and won the Masters again. I am a huge fan of Rory's but I want him to get smart young."

McIlroy has missed the cut in his last three tournaments.