Tiger Woods' ex-coach realises his 'mistake' after Rory McIlroy publicly defends his caddie- "They made a mistake together"

Rory McIlroy's words defending the work of his caddie, Harry Diamond, have had a huge impact on the world of golf. So much so, that the very voices that initially criticized him have revisited their criticism after McIlroy's reaction.

In this case, it was Tiger Woods' former trainer, Hank Haney. He used his X account to comment on his previous remarks about Rory McIlroy's caddie following his second place finish at the U.S. Open. Haney posted the following:

"Never said anyone was to blame, they made a mistake together, mistakes happen but one shot or two shots doesn’t make a tournament and I realize that."

Days earlier, Haney had posted that if Rory McIlroy had been working with renowned New Zealand bagman Steve Williams, he would have used an 8-iron and not a 7-iron to execute the controversial tee shot on the 15th hole of the final round at Pinehurst.

Steve Williams was Tiger Woods' caddie for 12 seasons. He has also worked with other major champions such as Adam Scott and Jason Day.

McIlroy responded to Haney's initial comments during his pre-Genesis Scottish Open press conference. The Northern Irishman called the criticism "unfair" and recalled that Haney has never been in the position of missing a crucial shot in a Major.

"Someone said to me once, you would never…. if you would never take advice from these people [the critics], you would never take their criticisms, either. Certainly wouldn't go to Hank Haney for advice," Rory McIlroy said (via NUCLR GOLF).

Hank Haney is a renowned golf coach who worked with Tiger Woods from 2003-2010. He has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including being inducted into the World Golf Teachers Hall of Fame in 2019.

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A look at Rory McIlroy's first round at the Genesis Scottish Open

Rory McIlroy withdrew from the Travelers Championship after finishing second at the U.S. Open, one stroke behind Bryson DeChambeau. As a result, the Genesis Scottish Open marks his return to competitive golf.

McIlroy began his title defense at Renaissance Golf Club with three birdies and two bogeys in the first part of the round. The back nine was much better, with an eagle and two birdies (no bogeys) for a 5-under-par score.

The performance leaves McIlroy in shared seventh place at the end of the round. He is three shots behind provisional leader Justin Thomas.

McIlroy won the 2023 Scottish Open with a score of 15 under par, one stroke ahead of local idol Robert MacIntyre. The Northern Irishman left several memorable performances at the Renaissance Club, including his second shot on the 18th hole of the fourth round.

McIlroy's 2-iron shot carried the ball from more than 200 yards to within 11 feet of the hole. It was such a significant play that the club has installed a plaque at the site to honor it.