EXCLUSIVE: Rory McIlroy “doesn’t listen to anyone” as ex-agent speaks out after caddie fire demand

Rory McIlroy once again narrowly missed out on securing his fifth major championship at the US Open last Sunday, leading many to blame his caddie, Harry Diamond, for the outcome.

McIlroy’s former agent, Andrew ‘Chubby’ Chandler, has stepped in to defend Diamond following the dramatic conclusion at Pinehurst No. 2. McIlroy appeared poised to end a 10-year major drought but was ultimately overtaken by the 54-hole leader, Bryson DeChambeau. Despite holding a two-shot lead with just five holes remaining in North Carolina, a series of late mistakes resulted in McIlroy finishing one shot short.

The four-time major winner’s chances were significantly hindered by missing short putts on both the 16th and 18th holes. Additionally, his choice of clubs on the 15th and 18th tees drew criticism for his game management. At the par-three 15th, McIlroy’s seven iron overshot the green, leading to a bogey. A similar misstep occurred on the 18th, where his decision to switch from a three-wood, which he had used safely in the prior rounds, to a driver left him out of position and resulted in another bogey.

Many observers have blamed Diamond for McIlroy’s crucial mistakes during the closing stages of the tournament. However, Chandler, who knows McIlroy well, insists that the final decisions rest solely with the golfer. “You can’t blame the caddie because [McIlroy] doesn’t listen to anybody. Everyone blaming the caddie doesn’t know what they are talking about. Rory does what Rory wants to do. In life, full stop. So for everyone to say ‘it was the caddie’s fault,’ what is the caddie going to do, have a row with him on the 18th tee? If he has hit three-wood on the other three days, he probably doesn’t understand why he is going with driver. But if he butts in and [McIlroy] goes on and makes a bogey, it is his fault.”

Despite the close call at the US Open, McIlroy and Diamond have enjoyed significant success since they began working together in 2017, though they have yet to secure a major championship during this partnership. Chandler believes that McIlroy’s approach to decision-making has been a key factor in his achievements. “Rory is definitely the boss, and there is nothing wrong with it,” he added. “They haven’t done bad with it, have they?”

Following his near-miss at Pinehurst, McIlroy has decided to take a break from competitive golf. He plans to return next month to defend his title at the Scottish Open, and will then compete in the Open Championship at Royal Troon a week later.