Rory McIlroy’s performance at Torrey Pines over the weekend took a downturn, and a fan’s criticism of his caddie struck a nerve. After struggling with his putting, McIlroy finished T-17th at the Genesis Invitational with a score of 3-under. According to golf reporter Dan Rapoport, a fan shouted, “Blame your caddie,” which prompted McIlroy to respond, “Shut the f— up.” This comment came after McIlroy missed a 12-foot putt that slid past the hole on the right, denying him a birdie.
McIlroy’s caddie, Harry Diamond, has been by his side since 2017, and their bond goes back to childhood. McIlroy’s putting woes were particularly evident on Saturday, where he ranked last in shots gained for the day, and he made no significant changes in his final round on Sunday. Putting has been a persistent issue for McIlroy since his disappointing finish at the 2024 U.S. Open, where he missed two short putts that cost him a chance at his first major title since 2014.
Following that U.S. Open, McIlroy defended Diamond, stating, “You know it’s certainly unfair. 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, you know, these guys that criticize when things don’t go my way, they never say anything good when things do go my way.”
Earlier this year, McIlroy secured victory at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, finishing at 21-under and defeating Shane Lowry by two strokes, earning $3.6 million in the process.
