Since 2017, Rory McIlroy has stuck to one caddie consistently for his career. His old childhood friend, Harry Diamond. The two have been inseparable for well over twenty years now, and recently, in a press conference, McIlroy was asked if Diamond is a source of motivation. His answer is full of praise for his old friend.
Rory McIlroy And Harry Diamond
The two have been friends for a long time. When they were still kids in Northern Ireland, they used to compete with and against each other. Diamond was even McIlroy’s best man during his wedding. Throughout his pro career, McIlroy has been furiously defensive of Diamond, at one point even snapping at a heckler during the Genesis Invitational. Harry Diamond has been at the center of criticism for McIlroy. The reasoning being that he hadn’t won a major since 2014. McIlroy had heard calls for him to change caddies in the past and would always stick with his friend. That point of criticism, of course, stopped after McIlroy completed his career grand slam with the Masters Tournament in April. All the while, McIlroy would thank Diamond in his victory speeches.
Praising Diamond
McIlroy, over the past eight years of having Diamond be his primary caddie, has had nothing but praise for his friend. A point that he always presented in the face of the major’s criticism is to point to the other victories he has had since 2017. Just before the BMW PGA Championship, he was asked if Diamond motivates him to win. McIlroy’s answer was absolutely. Saying that there is something about having his friend at his bag that means so much to him. McIlroy went on reminiscing about how Diamond was there during his victories at the FedEx and Ryders Cups, several PGA Tour events, and most recently the Irish Open.
“You know, even like last week, it was cool seeing the images of us together, him caddying for me 20 years ago at the 2005 Irish Open. Fast forward 20 years, we are still on the course and striding the fairways together. Yeah, like, I’m excited about what the future holds, and excited that hopefully Harry is going to be part of that journey beside me. Unless he feels he can get a better bag, but hopefully have another few good years left.“
The Future For McIlroy And Diamond
If the past is anything to go by, McIlroy will be sticking by Diamond for the foreseeable future. He will defend his friend’s honor and is happy to have him on the field with him. McIlroy has had some of his biggest career wins with Diamond by his side. He has said that he likes just seeing the images of them together on the field and shares the victory with him during speeches. McIlroy is excited for what the future holds for the two of them. Sure, there may come a time when Diamond may get a better gig. Until then, McIlroy is happy with his best friend by his side.
Main Photo Credit: © Brett Davis-Imagn Images
