AUGUSTA, Ga. — Rory McIlroy had not gained a serious in 11 years earlier than his unimaginable triumph at Augusta Nationwide on Sunday evening. However he additionally had not gained a serious along 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 largest of tournaments. Look no additional than the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 final yr.
However Diamond, who took over for J.P. Fitzgerald in 2017, has recognized McIlroy for nearly three many years. The 2 Ulstermen met on the placing inexperienced at their residence course, Holywood Golf Membership exterior of Belfast, when McIlroy was solely seven years outdated.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 manner by way of my life,” McIlroy mentioned, preventing 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 who don’t know something concerning 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.
In some way, the now 5-time main champion collected himself, thanks partially 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 toes, and gained The Masters.
Everybody rejoiced, McIlroy and Diamond embraced, and the haters went silent.
Jack Milko is a golf employees author for SB Nation’s Taking part in Via. Comply with him on X @jack_milko.
