Rory McIlroy fumes at fan as temper boils over at Genesis Invitational

Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy jumped to the defence of his caddie (Image: Getty)

Golf superstar Rory McIlroy staunchly defended his caddie, Harry Diamond, against a heckling spectator during the final round of the Genesis Invitational. After missing a pivotal 10-foot putt on the third hole, an alleged remark from the crowd suggested the Northern Irish star should “blame” Diamond.

This season has seen McIlroy struggling with his putting game, evidenced by a disappointing two-over 74 on Saturday, which contributed to losing nearly four strokes overall.

However, McIlroy was having none of the criticism directed at his long-time companion and caddie. Upon hearing the comment, he immediately retorted with a strong “Shut the —- up,” as reported by golf insider Dan Rapaport.

It’s evident that McIlroy values loyalty and will not stand for any disparagement towards Diamond, whose partnership with him extends beyond professional ties. Diamond faced similar scrutiny after McIlroy just missed out on victory at the US Open, where he finished a single stroke behind winner Bryson DeChambeau.

Notably, Tiger Woods’ former coach Hank Haney insinuated that a different caddie might have swayed the result in McIlroy’s favour, sparing him the anguish of such a narrow defeat.

Haney criticised McIlroy’s choice of club during a crucial moment, suggesting that with Steve Williams as his caddie, McIlroy wouldn’t have opted for a 7 iron which led to an overshoot on the green at hole 15.

Harry Diamond and Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy and caddie Harry Diamond have a close relationship (Image: PGA TOUR via Getty Images)

Speaking in the aftermath, Haney stated: “If [Woods’ former looper] Steve Williams was Rory’s caddie I can promise you he would have never hit a perfect flighted 7 iron that rolled over the green on 15 into a terrible lie because he would have hit an 8 iron and sent it straight up in the air and held the green. Wrong club, wrong shot, bad plan.”

Fellow golfer Smylie Kauffman echoed Haney’s views, but McIlroy was swift to dismiss the criticism. Defending Diamond, the Northern Irishman responded by underscoring the pair’s relative inexperience in high-pressure situations: “It’s certainly unfair,” he explained. “Hank Haney has never been in that position. Smylie has been in that position once.”

McIlroy reinforced the value of Diamond’s subtler style, adding: “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.

“Someone said to me once if you would never take advice from these people, you would never take their criticisms, either. Certainly wouldn’t go to Hank Haney for advice. I love Smylie, but I think I know what I’m doing, and so does Harry.”

After triumphing over Rasmus Hojgaard in the DP World Tour Championship in November 2024, McIlroy took the opportunity to commend his caddie Diamond, expressing heartfelt appreciation: “He gets his fair share of stick and it’s not warranted,” he remarked following the victory. He’s an amazing caddie and the best friend I could ever ask for.”