Who Is Rory McIlroy’s Caddie? Meet Harry Diamond

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The proud proprietor of 5 Major championships and shutting in on 50 skilled victories worldwide, Rory McIlroy you could have loved a Hall-of-Fame profession since turning professional in 2007.

Remarkably, all through that 20-year timeframe, the Northern Irishman has solely labored with two long-term caddies.

The first of which was JP Fitzgerald, who McIlroy introduced on board in 2009. During their time collectively, McIlroy claimed his first 4 Majors in addition to a FedEx Cup and three Race To Dubai titles.

But, following his first winless season since 2008, McIlroy and Fitzgerald parted ways in 2017 and a brand new bagman arrived on the scene.

It was anticipated to be a short-term alliance at first, however McIlroy’s present caddie, Harry Diamond has largely been with him ever since.

Another of his buddies, Niall O’Connor, quickly carried McIlroy’s bag in 2022 – throughout which era they gained the RBC Canadian Open collectively – however Diamond rapidly returned.

O’Connor, a buddy who met McIlroy in his late teenagers, additionally caddied for the Northern Irishman on the 2019 DP World Championship in Dubai. He has performed high-level rugby for Ulster and can be a eager golfer. That partnership took place as a result of Diamond was anticipating a second little one along with his spouse.

HOW DID MCILROY AND DIAMOND MEET?

McIlroy and Diamond are greatest buddies after rising up collectively in Holywood, Northern Ireland and taking part in junior golf collectively at Holywood Golf Club.

While McIlroy went on to take pleasure in a sterling professional profession following heady days as an novice, Diamond was additionally an impressive participant in his personal proper, representing Ireland as a teen.

In 2012, the now-caddie gained the West of Ireland Championship which earned him a spot on the Irish Open that 12 months.

Although it did not work out for Diamond as a golfer, he stayed in contact with McIlroy and the pair have achieved so many nice issues on a golf course collectively.

And given they’ve recognized one another for thus lengthy, they’ve a incredible relationship and understanding on the golf course in addition to off it.

Briefly explaining the pair’s dynamic, McIlroy as soon as mentioned: “I was an only child and Harry was a big brother. We’re very close.

“I really like having him on the bag. I’m a distinct particular person. And I’m by no means going to offer him sh** even when one thing goes flawed. It would not be price it.”

As properly as being on McIlroy’s bag, Diamond was additionally by his facet as Best Man when his boss married Erica Stoll in County Meath in 2017. Diamond loved a spell off finding out yardage booklets to rearrange the stag occasion in Miami, too.

WHO IS HARRY DIAMOND?

Away from the course, Diamond is pretty non-public, staying away from social media and saying little or no about his work with McIlroy.

He is believed to personal numerous his personal companies, together with a number of bars, however has not often spoken in interviews through the years and prefers to maintain the limelight on McIlroy.

IS HARRY DIAMOND A GOOD CADDIE?

Well, McIlroy definitely thinks so. Diamond has are available for spells of criticism throughout his time working with the previous World No.1, unfairly in keeping with McIlroy, and the professional has leapt to his assistant’s protection every time.

Before The Masters in 2026McIlroy mentioned: “I think, as well, because Harry hates the spotlight, hates doing any sort of media, because he’s not as outspoken, people don’t hear from him. So he never has an opportunity to stand up for himself.

“That’s the place I step in and I attempt to be that one which stands up for him as a result of nobody is aware of what he is doing or considering or saying as a result of he would not need anybody to know what he’s doing or considering or saying.

“That’s one of the things that I really appreciate about him, as well. He’s obviously a very loyal friend but at the same time he’s doing it solely for the purpose for us to go out there and win Major championships, and big tournaments, and that’s enough for him.”

Possibly probably the most high-profile event the place followers and sure sections of the media have been calling for a change on the bag arrived following McIlroy’s late collapse on the US Open in 2024.

Some exterior events felt that McIlroy might have to maneuver on from Diamond if he needed to win one other Major, with one specific bone of competition being an important membership alternative within the closing holes at Pinehurst No.2 which can have value the Northern Irish duo pricey.

However, McIlroy stood agency and fiercely defended his best friend and caddiecalling out a few detractors by identify. He mentioned: “You know, it’s certainly unfair.

“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.

“So where were they when I won Dubai earlier year, or Quail Hollow, or the two FedExCups that I’ve won with Harry, or the two Ryder Cups… or whatever? 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.”

One instance of the experience Diamond brings arrived in the course of the closing levels of the 2021 Wells Fargo Championship the place the caddie talked McIlroy into taking a penalty drop on the 72nd gap. McIlroy readjusted to search out the inexperienced and finally gained the match.

Reflecting on that second, McIlroy mentioned: “Harry was awesome out there, especially that decision on the last. I was ready to get in there and try to play that with a lob wedge and he was sort of like, ‘Let’s take a step back, let’s think about this. Where’s the best place you’re hitting your third from?’

“So he form of calmed me down, slowed me down slightly bit and mentioned, ‘pal, let’s simply take into consideration this.’ Ultimately we made the appropriate determination.

“It’s Harry and I’s sixth win together and it’s probably been our best one. Bay Hill back in 2018 was great because I hadn’t won in a while, but this is even better just because Harry’s been there every step of the way.”

Almost definitely the duo’s greatest 12 months to this point was 2025. McIlroy bagged his sixth Race To Dubai title later within the 12 months after opening up 2025 with success on the Pebble Beach Pro-Am and The Players Championship.

But it was their triumph at The Masters – the one evident omission from the pair’s partnership – which justified McIlroy’s perception in his buddy.

In the aftermath of McIlroy’s historic win, he had some heat phrases for Diamond, saying: “I met him on the putting green at Holywood Golf Club. We’ve had so many good times together. He’s been like a big brother to me the whole way through my life.

“To be capable to share this with him after all of the shut calls that we have had, all of the crap that he is needed to take from individuals who do not know something in regards to the recreation, yeah, this one is simply as a lot as it’s mine.

“He’s a massive part of what I do, and I couldn’t think of anyone better to share it with than him.”

Almost 12 months later, forward of The 2026 Masters, McIlroy reiterated how excessive a regard he holds Diamond in – notably on the golf course.

McIlroy mentioned: “I think they (the fans and media) don’t understand that he provides a level of comfort on the golf course for me that probably no one else in the world could.

“You know, if I make a mistake, or we make a mistake, I’m a lot much less prone to get indignant or get bothered by it as a result of he is the one on the bag slightly than another person.

“It’s much harder for me to get angry at myself or at him with him next to me than it would be with someone else.”

To date, McIlroy and Diamond have gained 20 skilled titles collectively in addition to serving to Team Europe to win the Ryder Cup house and away.