Golf analyst forced to eat his words after Rory McIlroy's public defense of his caddie - "I have nothing but respect"

Rory McIlroy's caddie, Harry Diamond, was criticized by golf analyst Smylie Kaufman after the Northern Irishman finished second at the 2024 US Open. According to Kaufman, Diamond's work on the 15th hole of the fourth round was flawed.

McIlroy vehemently defended his caddie on Thursday, July 10. The 35-year-old called the critics "unfair" in his statement, prompting Kaufman to post on his X account.

This is part of what Kaufman wrote:

"When good shots end up in bad places I always have to question the decision making as it’s my job to do so. I have nothing but respect for Rory [McIlroy] and Harry [Diamond] as I think they make a great team and wishing them both the best this week and future weeks."

Kaufman's comments on Diamond were made a few days ago when he was a guest on Golf Magazine's 'Subpar' podcast. Kaufman said McIlroy should have used an 8 iron, not a 7 iron, on his green approach shot on the 15th, and that his caddie had some responsibility for that:

"I felt like Harry Diamond really should have stepped in on the 15th hole," Kaufman said (via GolfWRX).

Smylie Kaufman played golf professionally from 2014-2021 and has one PGA Tour victory under his belt. In recent years, he has pursued a career in broadcasting, working primarily with Golf Channel.

McIlroy is currently at the Renaissance Golf Club to defend his title at the Genesis Scottish Open. He will then remain in Scotland to play in the Open Championship at Royal Troon.

Rory McIlroy's response to Smylie Kaufman

During the press conference at the Renaissance Golf Club, McIlroy was asked about comments made on his caddie during the last edition of the US Open. McIlroy vehemently defended Diamond, who has been taking care of his bag since 2017.

The golfer recalled some of the triumphs he has achieved with Diamond, including his two FedEx Cups, the 2024 Dubai Desert Classic, and the Wells Fargo Championship, also during the current season.

McIlroy also talked about the two Ryder Cups that Diamond helped him win, while saying that those who speak ill of his caddie are "unfair."

"They are never there to say Harry did such a great job when I win, but they are always there to criticise when we don't win," McIlroy said (via Independent).

McIlroy finished the 2024 US Open in second place, one stroke behind Bryson DeChambeau. The Northern Irishman had several chances to force a playoff and even take the lead, including the 15th hole that Kaufman mentioned.

Other highlighted opportunities were the two putts he missed from inside four feet: one on the 16th and the other on the 18th. The latter would have given him a chance to challenge DeChambeau in sudden death.