Rory McIlroy was just one stroke away from winning the 2024 US Open. The last major that he won was a decade ago, the Open Championship.  Despite several close calls to end his major drought, he has yet to secure another win. During the final round, McIlroy completed the front nine on Sunday with a 1-under 34, including three birdies in the first four holes.

However, the back nine was a true nightmare for the Northern Irishman; he carded three bogeys on the final four holes, beginning with an unfortunate streak on the par-3 15th hole. His US Open loss led to a barge of criticism, many of which were directed towards his caddie, Harry Diamond. Many held Diamond responsible for not giving McIlroy proper guidance on the course, resulting in his Pinehurst heartbreak.

Diamond was criticized for letting McIlroy hit a 7-iron on the 15-hole, with some, including Tiger Woods’ ex-coach, Hank Haney, arguing that an 8-iron would have been a more suitable choice.

However, Rory McIlroy stood by his friend, who has been looping for him since 2017, and defended him against the critic. Responding to Hank Haney’s comments, McIlroy remarked, “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.”

It appears Hank Haney has revised his stance on Rory McIlroy’s caddie situation. After seeing a comment suggesting McIlroy should change his caddie for the 2025 season due to several ‘bad decisions,’ Haney reposted it and clarified his position.“No, I think his caddie is great for him. I never said he wasn’t great for Rory, I said they made a mistake on #15 at the US Open. I am actually a big fan of friend caddies, anyone can make a mistake,” posted Haney on his official X account.

Smylie Kauffman, agreeing with him, said, “In my head, as a player, when you execute a shot exactly how you’re supposed to and it ends up in a terrible spot, you have to look at, all right, what happened here. Because that’s what happened at the 15th hole.” However, according to World No. 3, the critics are always bashing Diamond for his failure, but are never giving him credit for his wins.

Nonetheless, it was not just Kauffman and Haney who felt the same way. A lot of other people too weighed in their thoughts on Harry Diamond, and well, barely any of them were positive.

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Eddie Pepperell advises Rory McIlroy to change to a stronger caddie

Eddie Pepperell knew that missed putts at the 16th and 18th holes cost McIlroy his fifth major. But he is certain that the drive to the native area, some 80 yards away from the green, could have been easily avoided. He had the same ideology—a fairway wood or at least a different club could have easily done the job.

According to him, a more experienced caddie who is actively present on the course would have asked McIlroy not to use a 7-to for the 205-yard hole. His suggestion: Stevie Williams for the bag. “A strong caddie, a Stevie Williams-type figure, I’m adamant would have could have just got hold of Rory on 15 and just pulled him through that finish. I just think Rory needs somebody capable, like (former caddie) JP (Fitzgerald) probably used to be able to do and help him get across that line,” said the golf veteran.

What do you think about Rory McIlory’s win slipping away at Pinehurst No. 2? Let us know in the comments section below!