Rory McIlroy Parts Ways With Longtime Caddie Ahead Of Masters

Rory McIlroy Parts Ways With Longtime Caddie Ahead Of Masters...

Rory McIlroy has split with his caddie of nine years, Harry Diamond, just days before the 2026 Masters Tournament. The unexpected move comes as McIlroy seeks his first career Grand Slam at Augusta National, where he has struggled in recent years.

Diamond, a childhood friend of McIlroy's from Northern Ireland, had been on the bag since 2017. The pair won multiple PGA Tour events together, including the 2019 Players Championship and 2021 Wells Fargo Championship. No immediate reason was given for the separation.

The timing raises eyebrows as McIlroy prepares for his latest attempt to complete golf's career Grand Slam. He needs a Masters victory to join Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Ben Hogan, and Gene Sarazen as the only players to win all four majors.

McIlroy has hired veteran caddie Joe LaCava, who previously worked with Tiger Woods and most recently Patrick Cantlay. LaCava brings extensive Augusta National experience, having helped Woods win the 2019 Masters.

Golf analysts suggest the change reflects McIlroy's urgency to finally conquer Augusta. He has recorded six top-10 finishes there since 2014 but has struggled on Sundays, including a final-round 74 last year that dropped him to T15.

The news trended across U.S. sports platforms as American golf fans debate whether the shakeup will help or hurt McIlroy's chances. The Masters begins Thursday, April 16, at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia.