Tiger Woods' former coach makes his feelings clear on Rory McIlroy caddie change for 2025
Tiger Woods’ former coach has given his opinion on Rory McIlroy potentially changing his caddy for next year after throwing away victory at the US Open
Tiger Woods ’ former coach, Hank Haney, has made his feelings clear on Rory McIlroy potentially switching his caddie for 2025 after failing to close out the US Open.
McIlroy’s major title drought has now ticked on for more than a decade despite him looking set to end the wait at the US Open in June. The 35-year-old won the US Open in 2011 in his first major triumph but was unable to close out his solo lead at Pinehurst No. 2 with four holes left – bogeying three of the final four holes.
The question from golf fans regarding McIlroy’s choice of caddie reared again after Haney reposted a video of McIlroy angrily throwing his club into the water, presumably by accident, simply stating the Northern Irishman looked “not happy”.
But Woods’ former coach stated that McIlroy shouldn’t change his caddie despite him crumbling over the final holes of the US Open. Haney replied: “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.”
The Northern Irishman and his caddie – childhood friend and best man at his wedding to Erica Stoll, Harry Diamond – faced criticism in the wake of Bryson DeChambeau pipping him to the US Open. McIlroy even previously responded to Haney’s comments regarding having friends as caddies. Woods’ former coach had said that friendships among players and caddies can work, only if the caddie is assertive.
To which McIlroy replied: “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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