Hank Haney Reverse Self on Rory Mcllory Caddie Controversy

Hank Haney Revisits Comments on Rory McIlroy’s Caddie After U.S. Open Controversy

Hank Haney, the renowned golf coach and former caddie of Tiger Woods, has revisited his earlier criticism of Rory McIlroy’s caddie, Harry Diamond, following McIlroy’s disappointing finish at the U.S. Open. Haney, who had previously been vocal about McIlroy’s strategic choices during the tournament, has now offered a more nuanced view of the situation.

In June, McIlroy was in prime position to claim his first major title in several years, holding a two-shot lead with just five holes to play. However, his hopes were dashed as he faltered down the stretch, allowing Bryson DeChambeau to clinch the victory. The loss extended McIlroy’s major championship drought, a narrative that has continued to haunt the talented golfer.

Following the collapse, the golfing community was abuzz with opinions about what went wrong. Among the most debated topics was the role of McIlroy’s caddie, Harry Diamond. Many fans and analysts questioned whether Diamond, who is also a long-time friend of McIlroy, was the right person for the job. Haney was particularly critical, attributing McIlroy’s decision to use a 7-iron off the tee on the 15th hole to poor caddying.

On his podcast, Haney explained his position: “Rory has made a bad decision here. The bad decision is that he’s kind of in between clubs—8-iron or 7-iron. He goes with a 7-iron. Tiger Woods would have never done that, ever. Rory McIlroy can send the ball straight up in the air, just like Tiger. When you’ve got brick-hard greens, you’ve got to send the ball up in the air; you’ve got to hit a high shot. You can’t be coming with a punch shot, a flighted-down, less-than-full trajectory. There’s no way that ball is going to stop on the green. It’s a bad decision. When you get nervous, you make bad swings, and you make bad decisions.”

Despite the criticism, McIlroy chose to stick with Diamond, showing confidence in his cousin and caddie. McIlroy even responded to Haney’s comments, defending his decision and expressing faith in his team.

Recently, the conversation resurfaced when a social media post highlighted McIlroy’s visible frustration during the BMW Championship. A user on the platform X (formerly known as Twitter) asked Haney whether he believed McIlroy might consider changing coaches by 2025.

In a surprising shift from his earlier stance, Haney responded positively about Diamond’s influence on McIlroy, clarifying his previous remarks. “No, I think his dad is great for him,” Haney stated on X. “I never said he wasn’t great for Rory; I said they made a mistake on #15 at the U.S. Open. I am actually a big fan of Rory’s caddie. Anyone can make a mistake.”

Haney’s updated comments suggest that while he still believes the U.S. Open decision was flawed, he respects Diamond’s overall contribution to McIlroy’s game. This change in tone reflects the complex dynamics of professional golf, where split-second decisions can define careers, yet the bonds between players and their caddies often transcend single moments of adversity.

As McIlroy continues his pursuit of a fifth major title, the partnership between him and Diamond remains intact, and Haney’s reassessment serves as a reminder of the challenges and pressures that come with being at the top of the sport.