Disheartening: Rory McIlroy’s caddie receives brutal punishment after US Open finger of blame pointed

Rory McIlroy and his caddie Harry Diamond came under fire last weekend, after the Northern Irishman missed out on the US Open title in agonising fashion at Pinehurst No. 2

Rory McIlroy has pledged support behind his caddie Harry Diamond on numerous occasions in recent years, despite the pair coming under scrutiny following last weekend’s US Open at Pinehurst No. 2.

McIlroy had a golden opportunity to end his 10-year wait for a major championship in North Carolina on Sunday, holding a two-shot lead with five holes to play. A number of errors down the final stretch however ensured it was Bryson DeChambeau who came away with his second US Open title.

As well as missing two short putts, McIlroy’s game management was also questioned, most notably at the 15th and 18th, where the four-time major champion hit two errant tee shots that resulted in two bogeys.

He first flew the green at the par-three 15th, before his tee shot on the final hole saw him take driver for the first time that week, pulling his effort left into trouble. This drew criticism of Diamond, especially from DP World Tour star Eddie Pepperell, who believes McIlroy needed a stronger caddie to help him get over the line.

“Sometimes, to win a golf tournament, you need to limp over the line, and I’m adamant that it is your caddie on occasions like that can really be the difference that can pull you over that finishing line,” Pepperell told The Chipping Forecast podcast.

“I just think, observing Rory today, that was the big thing that was lacking. My immediate takeaway is that with a stronger caddie, he would not have made the bogey he made on the 15th.

“It was a poor choice of club, and he hit in the one place he shouldn’t have hit it, and then, and from that point onwards, I think that’s the bogey that changed the momentum and his mindset more than anything.”

The Englishman went on: “I hate saying that about Harry because I’m sure he’s a lovely guy. And I’m sure he’s a good caddie. But today, I felt Rory needed somebody that could pull him through the finish line. Rory should never have lost that golf tournament today and I’m adamant about that.