Rory McIlroy critics blasted as they're told to 'get a life' amid probing questions on eve of The Open
Rory McIlroy and his caddie Harry Diamond have faced intense criticism after the Northern Irishman's agonizing near miss at the US Open, but Sky Sports pundit Wayne Riley is having none of it
Sky Sports pundit Wayne Riley has blasted critics of Rory McIlroy and his caddie Harry Diamond, telling them to "get a life" ahead of this week's Open Championship.
McIlroy and Diamond were under the microscope after a heartbreaking collapse cost him his first major championship victory in a decade at last month's US Open. The Ulsterman wrestled control of the tournament from Bryson DeChambeau in the final round at Pinehurst No. 2, only to bogey three of his final four holes to lose by one and write a fresh chapter of major misery for the 35-year-old.
Ryder Cup hero Colin Montgomerie, Tiger Woods' former coach Hank Haney and NBC pundit Smylie Kaufman were among those who questioned Diamond's role in the capitulation, particularly the decision for McIlroy to take driver on the 18th having not used it there all week. McIlroy's tee shot was pulled left into a native area and, after catching a poor lie, he could not get down in par.
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Riley – Sky's on-course reporter – watched the events of that final round unfold at close quarters, and the man best known as "Radar" believes the critics of McIlroy and Diamond are out of line.
"I mean, honestly, who are these guys to criticise Rory McIlroy? Get a life," Riley told Mirror Sport at Royal Troon. "You think Rory McIlroy doesn’t know what a good caddie is? One of his best mates is on the bag and they have won all sorts of championships.
"Where were they all a couple of years ago when he was going up the last hole of ‘The Green Mile’ at Quail Hollow when Harry said ‘Just play it out there’? Great bit of caddying, we heard it all. Where were [the critics] then? They didn’t say anything.
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"Just because Rory didn’t win the US Open, they all go at Harry Diamond. Harry can’t hit the putts for him. Rory is going to pull whatever club he wants; Rory controls his own destiny. That’s what makes him great."
Diamond has a quiet, understated demeanour on the course, leading to questions about whether he is the right man to support McIlroy in the biggest moments. But McIlroy has staunchly defended his right-hand man, offering a brutal response to Haney in particular at last week's Scottish Open, saying he had no interest in his advice or criticism.
Riley, however, believes Diamond is the ideal fit for McIlroy at this stage of his career and he believes he does not get the respect he deserves for their achievements together.
"If you can find a caddie who is a very dear friend, you’re a lucky man. Harry Diamond fits that bill," Riley added. "Rory McIlroy wouldn’t have Harry Diamond on the bag if he didn’t think he was the right guy. Rory is a multi-millionaire, a four-time major champion, a three-time FedEx champion and however many Race To Dubais.
"Rory McIlroy has done everything in the game and if Harry Diamond wasn’t the right guy, he wouldn’t be on the bag."
McIlroy took three weeks off after losing out at Pinehurst and made a solid return to action at the Scottish Open last week, finishing four shots behind winner Bob MacIntyre in a tie for fourth at The Renaissance Club. He starts as second favourite at Royal Troon, behind world No. 1 and reigning Masters champion Scottie Scheffler.
Watch The 152nd Open at Royal Troon from July 18-21, exclusively live on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Golf, and via a NOW subscription.
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