Rory McIlroy Defends His Caddie, Critics 'Never Understood'

This is one of those debates around Rory McIlroy that just won’t go away, and he’s clearly tired of people getting it wrong.

When McIlroy split with J.P. Fitzgerald in 2017, it raised eyebrows for a reason. Fitzgerald had been on the bag for all four of Rory’s major wins. But McIlroy felt the relationship had run its course and wanted a change, so he turned to Harry Diamond, a longtime friend rather than an experienced, high-profile caddie.

Since then, the criticism has followed a predictable pattern. McIlroy has continued to win on tour and deliver in big team events, but the majors have been a different story. A string of near-misses has kept the spotlight firmly on Diamond, with some arguing that McIlroy needs a more authoritative presence alongside him. After the 2024 U.S. Open, Hank Haney was among those calling for a “stronger” caddie.

What Critics Get Wrong About Harry Diamond

McIlroy doesn’t see it that way. He’s made it clear he values trust and comfort over confrontation. With Diamond on the bag, he says mistakes don’t spiral in the same way. There’s less frustration, less tension. That dynamic, in his view, helps him stay composed in situations where things can quickly unravel.

He also pointed out something critics rarely consider: Diamond has no interest in defending himself publicly. He avoids media completely, which means the narrative around him is shaped almost entirely by outside voices. McIlroy has taken it upon himself to push back because he knows what Diamond contributes behind the scenes.

For McIlroy, the partnership is built on loyalty and a shared goal. Diamond isn’t there for attention or recognition — just to help him win. And that, McIlroy insists, is enough.

How Phil Mickelson’s Advice Helped McIlroy Win at Augusta

He also credited part of his success at Augusta to advice he received years ago from Phil Mickelson. Mickelson’s approach to the course — playing aggressively and trusting his short game — stuck with McIlroy, even if it didn’t make sense to him at the time. As his own short game improved, so did his willingness to take those risks, which ultimately paid off.

The bigger point McIlroy is making is simple: not every successful player-caddie relationship looks the same. What works for him isn’t about having the loudest or most demanding voice on the bag. It’s about having the right one.