The former coach of Tiger Woods has expressed his views regarding Rory McIlroy’s possible decision to change his caddie for the upcoming year, following a missed opportunity for victory at the US Open.
1. The former coach of Tiger Woods has expressed his views regarding Rory McIlroy’s possible decision to change his caddie for the upcoming year, following a missed opportunity for victory at the US Open.
Hank Haney, Woods’ ex-coach, shared his perspective on McIlroy’s situation.
McIlroy has now experienced a major title drought exceeding ten years, despite being in a strong position to secure a win at the US Open in June. The 35-year-old golfer achieved his first major victory at the US Open in 2011 but faltered in the final stretch at Pinehurst No. 2, bogeying three of the last four holes after holding a solo lead.
Despite McIlroy’s struggles during the final holes of the US Open, Haney advised against changing his caddie. He stated, “No, I think his caddie is great for him. I never said he wasn’t great for Rory; I mentioned they made an error on #15 at the US Open. I am actually a big supporter of his caddie; anyone can make a mistake.”
McIlroy and his caddie, Harry Diamond—who is also a childhood friend and the best man at McIlroy’s wedding to Erica Stoll—faced scrutiny after Bryson DeChambeau narrowly defeated him at the US Open. McIlroy had previously addressed Haney’s remarks about the dynamics of having friends as caddies, noting that while such relationships can be beneficial, the caddie must also be assertive. In response, McIlroy remarked, “It’s certainly unfair. Hank Haney has never been in that position. Smylie has been in that position once, and I love Smylie, and he was out there with us on 18.”