Who Is Rory McIlroy’s Caddie?

Rory McIlroy’s caddie is his best friend, Harry Diamond. The two grew up together in Holywood, Co Down. Although another friend, Niall O’Connor, briefly took over caddying duties in 2022, helping McIlroy win the RBC Canadian Open, Diamond soon returned to the role. O’Connor, who met McIlroy in his late teens and has a background in high-level rugby with Ulster, first caddied for McIlroy at the 2019 DP World Championship in Dubai. This temporary partnership was due to Diamond expecting his second child.

McIlroy and Diamond have worked together since 2017, following McIlroy’s split with his previous caddie, JP Fitzgerald, with whom he won four Majors over eight years. Initially considered a short-term arrangement, their partnership has endured, defying expectations that McIlroy might seek a more experienced caddie.

Together, McIlroy and Diamond have achieved nine PGA Tour victories and two FedEx Cup triumphs, in 2019 and 2022. Their bond, which dates back to their junior days at Holywood Golf Club, has been a cornerstone of their success. Diamond, a notable golfer himself, represented Ireland and won the West of Ireland Championship in 2012, earning a spot at that year’s Irish Open. He was also McIlroy’s best man at his wedding to Erica Stoll in Co Meath in 2017, even organizing the stag party in Miami.

McIlroy describes Diamond as a brotherly figure, emphasizing their close relationship. “I was an only child and Harry was a big brother. We’re very close. I love having him on the bag,” McIlroy says. He appreciates Diamond’s calming influence and strategic input, exemplified by a crucial decision at the 72nd hole at Quail Hollow. Diamond advised McIlroy to take a penalty drop, leading to a successful shot onto the green. McIlroy credits Diamond with their sixth win together, highlighting the importance of Diamond’s guidance.

Despite their success, the pair have yet to win a Major together, a fact often noted since McIlroy has not won a Major since 2014. However, their notable victories include the Players Championship in 2019, after which McIlroy praised Diamond as “one of the best caddies out here, if not the best.”

Their close bond was further demonstrated before the 2024 Canadian Open when McIlroy spent the night partying with Diamond to celebrate his caddie’s birthday.

Off the course, Diamond maintains a low profile, avoiding social media and seldom speaking about his work with McIlroy. He owns several businesses, including bars.

Financially, being McIlroy’s caddie is lucrative. McIlroy reportedly paid Fitzgerald 10 percent of his $9 million FedEx Cup bonus in 2016 and similar percentages from other tournament earnings. With McIlroy’s PGA Tour earnings ranging from $4-7 million a year, Diamond’s income is substantial. Additionally, their close friendship likely brings extra perks, including bonuses, private jets, and a luxurious lifestyle.