Every golfer needs a caddie they can trust and that is made even better when the caddie turns into one of your best friends. Well, that is exactly the case with Rory McIlroy and his caddie, Harry Diamond. Diamond is more than just a professional partner for McIlroy as he’s also a childhood friend. The duo reunited on the golf course in 2017, when Diamond began caddying for McIlroy at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational. Their lifelong friendship, forged since childhood, has translated into a successful and enduring partnership in the golfing world.

And now they have been together for 7 years, and man have these 7 years been full of ups and downs. But the duo has shone through all the challenges and we have brought to you some of them!

Rory McIlroy sheds tears for his childhood friend

Rory McIlroy was overcome with emotion after watching a heartfelt video message from his caddie and childhood friend, Harry Diamond, at the Ryder Cup Team Europe meeting. The message highlighted their incredible journey from meeting at Holywood Golf Club as seven-year-olds to competing together in their third Ryder Cup. “There were a lot of tears shed,” McIlroy admitted, still visibly moved. “From when we were kids… to all the way through and playing amateur golf together, and now we’re doing our third Ryder Cup together and everything that we’ve done in between that time. It’s incredible.”

McIlroy praised Europe captain, Luke Donald’s unconventional approach, saying, “It’s sort of flipped. Previous Ryder Cups we’ve sort of gone pretty light-hearted at the start of the week and then we get hit with an emotional bomb before we go play Friday.” Donald’s strategy was to “get all the emotion out of the way” early on, and McIlroy believes it’s effective, “We’re all here and we’re all trying to play for our team-mates and our captain and our vice-captains, but then to receive a message like that and to realise how many more people that you’re representing by being here, it’s really, really cool.”

Rory McIlroy defends caddie Harry Diamond against critics

Rory McIlroy has come to the defense of his caddie and friend, Harry Diamond, after criticism from golf analysts Hank Haney and Smylie Kaufman. McIlroy called the criticism “unfair,” pointing out that Haney has never been in a similar position. McIlroy emphasized that Diamond’s quiet nature doesn’t mean he’s not doing his job. “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.” McIlroy highlighted Diamond’s contributions to his successes, including three wins in 2024, Ryder Cup victories, and titles in the Race to Dubai and FedEx Cup. McIlroy also noted that critics only focus on Diamond’s perceived shortcomings, never acknowledging his role in McIlroy’s victories. “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.”

Rory McIlroy praises “Amazing” caddie Harry Diamond

Rory McIlroy celebrated his sixth Race to Dubai title with an emotional tribute to his caddie and best friend, Harry Diamond. “He gets his fair share of stick and it’s not warranted. He’s an amazing caddie and the best friend I could ever ask for,” McIlroy said, highlighting Diamond’s invaluable support throughout his career. McIlroy’s latest victory marked a triumphant end to a tumultuous year, which saw him win four times, including twice on the PGA Tour. As he lifted the trophy, McIlroy acknowledged Diamond’s crucial role in his success, praising his caddie’s dedication and expertise. With Diamond by his side, McIlroy is already looking forward to chasing his seventh Race to Dubai title next year.