Rory McIlroy Sets the Record Straight on Caddie Harry Diamond’s Future After Widespread Criticism

Rory McIlroy’s journey with his best friend Harry Diamond on his bag started eight years ago. It was going well until Rory missed a major or two. Chatter about Diamond’s capability as a caddie grew louder after the 2024 US Open. Critics questioned McIlroy’s choice. O’Hern, on the Talk Birdie To Me, said, “A great caddie there would have said, ‘No, Rory, you aren’t hitting this club. We are gonna put you at the front of this green, and you are gonna have a long putt, but it will be uphill, and I am backing you from the two-putt there.” It was also pointed out that Rory’s past partnership with Fitzgerald was more successful than with Harry. Irishman didn’t pay any heed. He continued with Harry and won the Green Jacket. After that came Rory’s phase of feeling demotivated. As the golfer revealed, it was Harry who pulled him out of it.

Recently, during an interview with Off The Bell, McIlroy shared how after clinching the green jacket, he faced an unplanned scenario of collecting motivation for the next events, as his most-awaited one was already done. “I think what I didn’t plan for or what I didn’t think about was how I was going to feel afterwards in terms of sort of getting motivated again to get going and what I was going to do because for the last decade my chase was to try to get that elusive Masters and win the grand slam, You know, it’s Harry said to me pretty soon after I won Augusta, he said, it’s great you’ve won the Grand Slam, but I haven’t yet. So I was like, That’s wow. It’d be cool to be able to win with Harry,” Rory said.

After winning four majors, including the PGA Championship twice in just a span of three years, the golfer was all set to be the 6th Grand Slam winner. But unfortunately, the win didn’t come that easily. Augusta tested his grit and determination each time he stepped onto the greens. He came close to the title with a runner-up finish in 2022 and multiple top-5 finishes in the past; the dream took 11 long years to become a reality. After Augusta, the world saw Rory crumble. He played a subpar game, finishing T47 at the PGA Championship. Harry helped me feel encouraged again.

After the 8-year-long partnership with JP Fitzgerald came to an end, the Irishman called in his childhood friend Harry Diamond. Ever since, he has been the lopper walking alongside the golfer on the glorious days. The duo has won 14 PGA Tour titles and two FedEx Cup triumphs in 2019 and 2022. But the outstanding achievements at the majors came with his first caddie, Fitzgerald. However, now, when struck with the struggle to find motivation, the words of Diamond have become the fuel to add new titles to his career. The golfer is now aiming to win the remaining three majors for and with his best friend.

“You’ve won the Grand Slam but I haven’t yet!”

“Being able to do it with Harry.. as good as it gets”

Rory #McIlroy on what’s next in his golfing career and getting his childhood best friend and caddie, Harry Diamond, his own #GrandSlam!

Catch the full Golf Weekly… pic.twitter.com/vQg2e6fXsT

— Off The Ball (@offtheball) September 3, 2025

Despite the widespread criticism, McIlroy remains adamant about being with Harry.

Rory McIlroy and his caddie have a great relationship

Initially, when the golfer paired with his best friend, he shared the dynamics between the two. “I was an only child, and Harry was a big brother. We’re very close. I love having him on the bag. I’m a different person. And I’m never going to give him sh** even if something goes wrong. It would not be worth it,” said the 2025 Masters winner. The duo grew up together in Hollywood, Northern Ireland, and shared a great understanding of golf courses. In fact, Diamond represented Ireland as a youngster in 2012.

Being together as a team has made their bond stronger, as McIlroy, despite the criticism, took Diamond’s side. Earlier, when the caddie change was being speculated, McIlroy made a harsh statement. He said, “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.”

This year, the team started the 2025 season with a sixth Race To Dubai title and then continued to clinch AT&T Pebble Beach, The PLAYERS, and the Masters. In fact, he is currently in the lead for the Race To Dubai to clinch his seventh one.

Away from the criticism and negative talk, the duo has been cherishing their young days’ friendship to this day. But as he turned 36, can he really win three major titles again? What are your thoughts on it? Let us know in the comments below.

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