Rory McIlroy Defends Caddie Harry Diamond

Rory McIlroy recently addressed the media for the first time since his disappointing performance at the US Open at Pinehurst No.2. The Northern Irishman, who left abruptly after his defeat, has taken some time away from the public eye as he prepares to compete for his fifth Major title next week at Royal Troon.

In his address, McIlroy defended his caddie, Harry Diamond, who has faced criticism from figures such as Hank Haney and Golf Channel analyst Smylie Kaufman. The criticism centered on McIlroy’s club choice during the final round, particularly on the par 3 15th hole where he appeared to take one club too many and went long.

“Just because Harry is not as vocal or loud with his words as other caddies, it doesn’t mean that he doesn’t say anything and that he doesn’t do anything,” McIlroy stated. He expressed frustration with the tendency of critics to speak up only when things go wrong. “These guys that criticize when things don’t go my way, they never say anything good when things do go my way. Where were they when I won Dubai earlier this year, or Quail Hollow, or the two FedEx Cups that I’ve won with Harry, or the two Ryder Cups, or whatever? They are never there to say Harry did such a great job when I win, but they are always there to criticize when we don’t win.”

McIlroy elaborated on the challenges he faced during the final round, particularly his missed putts on the 16th and 18th holes at Pinehurst. He explained that speaking to the media was the last thing on his mind after three bogeys in his last four holes handed the title to Bryson DeChambeau.

Addressing the critics, McIlroy said, “Hank Haney has never been in that position. Smylie has been in that position once, and I love Smylie, and he was out there with us on 18. But just because Harry is not as vocal or loud with his words as other caddies, it doesn’t mean that he doesn’t say anything and that he doesn’t do anything.”

McIlroy emphasized the importance of recognizing the contributions of his caddie during victories, not just defeats. “I just wish that these guys who criticize when things don’t go my way would also acknowledge when things do go my way. So where were they when I won Dubai earlier this year or Quail Hollow or the two FedEx Cups that I’ve won with Harry or the two Ryder Cups or whatever?”

He concluded by reiterating his trust in Diamond and dismissing the criticism from those who are not actively involved in the competition. “At the end of the day, they are not there. They are in the arena. They are not the ones hitting the shots and making the decisions. Someone said to me once, if you would never take advice from these people, you should never take their criticisms, either. I certainly wouldn’t go to Hank Haney for advice. I love Smylie, but I think I know what I’m doing, and so does Harry.”