Harry Diamond has often faced criticism during his time as Rory McIlroy’s caddie.
But much of that quietened down after McIlroy picked up a Green Jacket at Augusta in April.
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Plenty of people saw Diamond as just someone who agreed with whatever McIlroy said, but he pushed back on that image during an Open practice round earlier this week.
He told the Masters winner to swap out his two-iron for a three-iron, believing it was the better option for Royal Portrush.
If McIlroy is going to win his second Open title this week, Diamond will have an important role to play.
Wayne Riley weighs in on Harry Diamond’s fit as Rory McIlroy’s caddie
McIlroy is among the top picks to win The Open this week. The 36-year-old has been putting in plenty of reps on the range and out on the golf course alongside Diamond this week.
And when speaking on Sky Sports in the UK, Wayne ‘Radar’ Riley offered huge words of praise for McIlroy’s caddie.
The Australian said: “There has been a lot of chat over the years about Harry and sometimes other caddies that Rory has had. Rory picks caddies basically who he likes as friends, and why not?
“Harry Diamond right now is the best caddie in the world in the respect that he is caddying for a career Grand Slammer. I hate it when I hear that stuff. Harry Diamond is a great player himself, a wonderful amateur career and a wonderful caddie. The coolest guy you will ever meet. And he suits Rory McIlroy. People should take note of that. It’s what makes a great caddie.
“He does not fluster at all, he does not. He has got his back and that makes a great caddie and that’s what Harry Diamond is. He will go down as one of the legendary caddies and so he should.”
Shane Lowry defends Harry Diamond
Shane Lowry was quick to defend Diamond earlier this year.
He told the Irish Independent ahead of The Masters: “He’s [McIlroy] the greatest golfer of our generation and I don’t think he gets any leeway at all,” said the 2019 Open winner. “And some of the s*** Harry gets off the back of it, now that really does my head in. Dustin Johnson had his brother caddying for him for 10 years and nobody said anything; other players have had the same caddie for 15 years, but everything Rory does is scrutinised.
“To be honest, there is no caddie in the world that would be better for Rory than Harry Diamond. Harry is always there a day before Rory.
“He’s always walking the course and doing his work. And I see it, but these guys sitting there on their stupid podcasts don’t see it.“
Lowry makes a valid point. Most people don’t see what goes into McIlroy’s preparation, or how much work Diamond puts in behind the scenes.
The trust between McIlroy and Diamond is clear, and there’s every reason to believe they’ll continue adding to their list of wins together.
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