Ex-PGA Tour Pro Slammed by Fans for Constantly Criticizing Rory McIlroy’s Caddie Despite Masters Victory

Ahead of the Masters, Nick O’Hern and Mark Allen sat down for a discussion on their podcast. Their topic of discussion? Rory McIlroy’s friend and caddie, Harry Diamond. Citing the growing number of years on McIlroy’s hands without a major win, the two suggested the golfer change his caddie if he wanted to win his first Masters. McIlroy didn’t listen and instead defended his friend and his right to the Masters at Augusta National. But despite the win and Diamond’s involvement in his game, McIlroy’s caddie is facing another set of fresh criticism.

Talk Birdie To Me (Podcast)“I want to talk about the sacking offenses committed by Harry.”

Thirdly, on the 18th hole at Holly, McIlroy’s drive narrowly avoided the bunkers. Given McIlroy’s tendency for a right-to-left shot shape, Harry Diamond should have advised him on a safer strategy to steer clear of the bunkers. According to Mark Allen, McIlroy’s aim between the flag and the bunker was too risky, especially under pressure. Allen believes Diamond should have guided McIlroy to aim more accurately, avoiding the bunker altogether.

Rory McIlroy, however, doesn’t think like that at all. In fact, after his Masters win, an emotional Rory McIlroy couldn’t help but give a nod to Diamond’s presence in his games. While thanking his friend, McIlroy added, “To be able to share this with him after all the close calls that we’ve had, all the [nonsense] that he’s had to take from people that don’t know anything about the game, yeah, this one is just as much his as it is mine.” Despite McIlroy’s support for his caddie, the new wave of criticism has attracted another wave of backlash against Mark Allen and Nick O’Hern.

Golf fans are not impressed with constant attacks on Harry Diamond

One of the fans couldn’t help but attack the hosts’ comments on Harry Diamond. They said, “Listening to this you would think that Rory lost the Masters.“ And that is certainly something that didn’t happen. Thanks to Rory McIlroy’s finishes of 72-66-66-73-3 (playoff), the Northern Irishman registered his first Masters win in his career. Additionally, thanks to the win, he also managed to finish the career Grand Slam, sixth of only six golfers in history to achieve this feat.

Two of the fans couldn’t help but defend Harry Diamond. One of them said,

“To talk about Rory’s caddie even AFTER he wins the Masters is just crazy. Let it rest” while another said, “Whoever the caddy is who helped Rory finally win the Masters is the right guy.” Part of Harry Diamond’s charm comes from his history with Rory McIlroy’s wins at the courses. “A massive part“ of McIlroy’s successes, the two share 40 worldwide wins and 29 on the PGA Tour. 

Another user chimed in,

“The caddie is NOT the decision maker – the PLAYER is.” Undoubtedly, despite the caddie’s involvement in a golfer’s game, the players themself is responsible for making all decisions during the game. While a caddie can offer advice and assistance, the golfer ultimately chooses the club, judges the shot, and decides how to play the ball. So, Rory McIlroy is just as responsible as Harry Diamond.

Lastly, a fan attacked the two hosts personally, saying,

“I think you should both quit podcasting and come back when you have won the grand slam and tell us how you did it? Or even a Major. Or even a PGA event win.“ Ouch! Unfortunately, however, neither former World No. 16 Nick O’Hern nor Mark Allen has ever registered a win on the PGA Tour. O’Hern’s last win came in 2006 with the Australian PGA. What do you think of this situation? Let us know!