Rory McIlroy has praised his childhood friend and caddie after completing the career grand slam by winning this year’s Masters, saying that the victory was just as much his as it was his own.
McIlroy replaced his long-term caddie JP Fitzgerald with his childhood friend Harry Diamond in 2017, but the pairing has been criticised by some for the lack of major wins during their spell together.
Until Sunday, all four of Rory’s major victories came while working alongside Fitzgerald.
More: Rory McIlroy’s emotional message to daughter Poppy after Masters win
McIlroy has previously defended Diamond from criticism for not being vocal enough, particularly after he narrowly missed out on winning the US Open in 2024.
Holding back tears when asked what it meant to have Harry alongside him for the winning moment on Sunday, Rory said: “I’ve known Harry since I was seven-years-old. I met him on the putting green at Holywood Golf Club.
“We’ve had so many good times together; he’s been like a big brother to me the whole way through my life.”
Referencing the criticism which has been directed towards Diamond during their time together, Rory added: “This one is just as much his at it is mine.”
McIlroy, who had Harry as his best man during his wedding to Erica Stoll in 2017, said that his long-time friend helped him reset for the play-off after missing his par putt to win on the 18th hole.
“Well pal, we would’ve taken this on Monday morning,” he is said to have told Rory as they made their way off the green.
By winning this year’s Masters, Rory becomes just the sixth person in history to achieve a career grand slam – winning each of golf’s four majors at least once.
He is the first European to mark the career milestone and the first to do so since Tiger Woods in 2000.
Full coverage, half price. For expert insights, analysis and commentary, subscribe to The Irish News today. Get full access for just £7.49/month. Offer ends 28th April.
>>GET OFFER