Rory McIlroy fires back to those who critcized his caddie – “The caddie stays”

Rory McIlroy forcefully addressed the growing criticism of his caddie, Harry Diamond, at the Genesis Scottish Open press conference. The event, held on Wednesday morning at the Renaissance Club in Gullane, Scotland, saw McIlroy passionately defending Diamond against accusations that his guidance contributed to McIlroy’s recent struggles on the golf course.

McIlroy’s recent performance in the U.S. Open, where he faltered in the final three holes, has been a major talking point in the golfing world. Critics, including former professional golfer Smylie Kaufman and golf instructor Hank Haney, have pointed fingers at McIlroy’s caddie, Harry Diamond, questioning his decisions during the critical moments of the tournament.

These critiques have ranged from suggesting that Diamond provided the wrong club to alleging that his reserved demeanor fails to complement McIlroy’s high-energy style.

Addressing the media for the first time since his U.S. Open disappointment, Rory McIlroy expressed his frustration over the persistent scrutiny directed at Diamond. The Northern Irishman highlighted the inconsistencies in the criticism, noting that the same voices are conspicuously absent when McIlroy triumphs, despite Diamond’s integral role in those victories.

Rory McIlroy’s Declarations

During the press conference, Rory McIlroy did not hold back:

“You know, it’s certainly unfair,” McIlroy began. “Hank Haney has never been in that position. Smylie has been in that position once. 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.”

“I just wish that, you know, these guys that criticize when things don’t go my way, they never say anything good when things do go my way,” he added

McIlroy’s defense was not just about setting the record straight but also about recognizing Diamond’s contributions to his success.

“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?” McIlroy asked, his frustration evident.

“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.”

Rory McIlroy and Harry Diamond’s partnership, which began in 2017, has seen significant successes, including 12 victories and contributions to Ryder Cup wins. However, this relationship has also coincided with McIlroy’s ongoing major championship drought, leading some to unfairly blame Diamond for McIlroy’s near-misses in key tournaments.

Rory McIlroy emphasized the unique dynamics of his partnership with Diamond, pointing out that only they truly understand the intricacies of their working relationship.

“At the end of the day, they are not there,” McIlroy said. “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.”

This defense underscores a broader question about the responsibilities of caddies versus the players themselves. While critics may be quick to assign blame, McIlroy made it clear that he and Diamond share both successes and failures, and external opinions hold little weight in their tightly-knit partnership.

As Rory McIlroy prepares to defend his title at the Genesis Scottish Open, his staunch defense of Diamond serves as a reminder of the loyalty and trust that underpin their relationship. Despite the criticisms, McIlroy remains confident in their collaboration, looking forward to silencing the doubters with their performance on the course.

McIlroy concluded, reiterating his belief in Diamond and their shared journey. “The caddie stays, and the journey forges forward,” he declared, signaling his readiness to move past the recent controversies and focus on the challenges ahead.

Rory McIlroy’s forceful defense of his caddie at the Genesis Scottish Open highlighted not only his loyalty but also his belief in their partnership’s strength. As he takes to the course, the golfing world will be watching to see if McIlroy and Diamond can once again prove their critics wrong.