Shane Lowry blasts criticism of Rory McIlroy's caddie that makes his 'blood boil'

Shane Lowry insists criticism of Rory McIlroy’s caddie Harry Diamond makes his ‘blood boil’.

Irishman Lowry launched a stern defence of McIlroy and his man on the bag after their US Open heartache last month.

Four-time major winner McIlroy led last month's championship in Pinehurst by two shots with five holes to play but bogeys on three of his last four holes let Bryson DeChambeau nick victory by a stroke.

McIlroy’s caddie came in for criticism over club selection but Lowry laughed that off. He said: “It's the one thing that really drives me insane. I watched Rory and watched him miss those two putts and not win and then you have people criticising him and Harry which is, I mean, it really makes my blood boil.”

Lowry is hoping to land his second Claret Jug this week at Royal Troon but there is obviously focus on McIlroy after the US Open near miss. But he dismissed suggestions that his friend should be changing caddies after what happened at Pinehurst while also aiming a dig at others who work on tour and try to get themselves in the limelight

He said: "Harry Diamond is the best person in the world to caddy for Rory McIlroy and I see it week in week out and he works harder than any of the caddies out here he's always here before him, walking the courses.

“He's there for him and even though he's not on the middle of the tee box like all these caddies who want to be on TV talking loud and telling Rory what to do he still makes his voice heard.

“Until you live that moment and that situation you never know how it is. Like I say, honestly, I've lived the situation. I don't think anybody is fit to comment on it.”