Although it looked like he was set to end his major title drought spanning over a decade, McIlroy stumbled through Pinehurst No. 2, with three bogeys in the last four holes during June's US Open, leading to him missing out on his first major win since 2011.
In response to speculation, Haney posted a video on socials showing McIlroy angrily hurling his club into the water at the BMW Championship, captioning it with McIlroy appearing "not happy". When questioned if McIlroy's fortunes might improve with a new caddie, Woods' ex-coach proclaimed his encouragement for McIlroy's current caddie, stating: "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 actually am actually a big fan of friend caddie's, anyone can make a mistake."
Following an 'extremely difficult' farewell, a LIV Golf notable is on the hunt for a new caddie. Another tough outing for Rory McIlroy as his driver breaks during the final of the BMW Championship.
Rory McIlroy has come out swinging in defence of his caddie and childhood friend, Harry Diamond, following criticism after Bryson DeChambeau's victory at the US Open. McIlroy said: "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."
"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 these guys who 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 FedEx Cups 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."
"At the end of the day, they are not there. They are not in the arena. They are not the ones hitting the shots and making the decisions. Someone said to me once, you would never-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."
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