AUGUSTA, Ga. — Rory McIlroy had not received a serious in 11 years earlier than his unbelievable triumph at Augusta Nationwide on Sunday night time. However he additionally had not received a serious together with his caddy, Harry Diamond, on the bag.
Due to this, McIlroy and Diamond had caught plenty of flak through the years, receiving an onslaught of criticism from followers, pundits, and media alike for his or her failure to win the most important of tournaments. Look no additional than the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 final 12 months.
However Diamond, who took over for J.P. Fitzgerald in 2017, has identified McIlroy for nearly three many years. The 2 Ulstermen met on the placing inexperienced at their residence course, Holywood Golf Membership outdoors of Belfast, when McIlroy was solely seven years outdated.
So when Eamon Lynch of the Golf Channel requested McIlroy about what it was like for Diamond to share this dream alongside him, McIlroy couldn’t assist however get choked up.
“We’ve had so many good occasions collectively. He’s been like an enormous brother to me the entire means by way of my life,” McIlroy mentioned, combating again tears.
“To have the ability to share this with him after all of the shut calls that we’ve had, all of the crap that he’s needed to take from those that don’t know something in regards to the recreation, yeah, this one is simply as a lot his as it’s mine. He’s a large a part of what I do, and I couldn’t consider anybody higher to share it with than him.”
After he missed a par putt to win from on the 72nd inexperienced, a dejected McIlroy went to the scoring tent to signal his card and collect his ideas earlier than a playoff with Justin Rose.
One way or the other, the now 5-time main champion collected himself, thanks partly to Diamond.
“Nicely, Pal, we might have taken this on Monday morning,” Diamond mentioned to his man.
“Yeah, completely we might have,” McIlroy replied.
McIlroy then uncorked an unbelievable drive, caught his strategy to 4 ft, and received The Masters.
Everybody rejoiced, McIlroy and Diamond embraced, and the haters went silent.
Jack Milko is a golf workers author for SB Nation’s Enjoying By way of. Comply with him on X@jack_milko.
