Tiger Woods’ former coach makes his feelings clear on Rory McIlroy caddie change for 2025
Tiger Woods’ former coach, Hank Haney, has weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding Rory McIlroy’s potential decision to change his caddie following his narrow miss at the US Open. McIlroy, who hasn’t won a major title in over a decade, was in a strong position to secure a victory at Pinehurst No. 2 during…
Tiger Woods’ former coach, Hank Haney, has weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding Rory McIlroy’s potential decision to change his caddie following his narrow miss at the US Open. McIlroy, who hasn’t won a major title in over a decade, was in a strong position to secure a victory at Pinehurst No. 2 during the US Open in June. However, he faltered in the final stretch, bogeying three of the last four holes, which led to widespread speculation among golf fans about whether a change in his caddie could be the solution.
The discussion gained momentum when Haney reposted a video clip showing McIlroy in a moment of frustration, where he inadvertently threw his club into the water. Haney remarked that McIlroy appeared “not happy” but was quick to clarify his stance on the caddie situation. Contrary to what some might expect, Haney doesn’t believe McIlroy should part ways with his current caddie, Harry Diamond, despite the disappointing outcome at the US Open.
Haney stated, “No, I think his caddie is great for him. I never said he wasn’t great for Rory. I said they made a mistake on #15 at the US Open. I’m actually a big fan of friend caddies; anyone can make a mistake.” This comment reflects Haney’s belief that even the best caddies are not immune to errors, and that a longstanding friendship between a player and a caddie, as is the case with McIlroy and Diamond, can be advantageous.
Harry Diamond, who has been McIlroy’s caddie since 2017 and also served as the best man at his wedding, has faced criticism following McIlroy’s loss to Bryson DeChambeau at the US Open. The skepticism around Diamond’s role is not new, with some questioning whether a caddie who is also a close friend can maintain the assertiveness needed in high-pressure situations.
Haney has previously commented on the dynamics between players and their caddies, suggesting that while friendships can work, it is crucial for the caddie to be assertive. In response to such criticisms, McIlroy has passionately defended Diamond, highlighting the successes they have achieved together.
“It’s certainly unfair,” McIlroy said. “Hank Haney has never been in that position. Smylie [Kaufman] 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 further expressed frustration with the way his and Diamond’s relationship is scrutinized, noting that the criticisms only seem to surface when things go wrong. “I just wish that these guys who criticize when things don’t go my way… they never say anything good 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? 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 concluded by emphasizing the unique position he and Diamond are in, noting that outsiders often fail to understand the intricacies of their partnership. “At the end of the day, they are not there. They are not 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 would never take their criticisms, either. 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.”
As the debate continues, it’s clear that McIlroy remains confident in his partnership with Diamond, despite the challenges they face.