Rory McIlroy learns Shane Lowry's true thoughts on Harry Diamond after criticism

Shane Lowry has sprung to the defence of caddie Harry Diamond, who has been the subject of recent criticism. Such remarks have come from ex-PGA Tour player Nick O'Hern who has suggested that McIlroy should part ways with his long-time caddie.

has now defended the duo and for what he sees as unfair treatment of McIlroy and his caddie."He's [McIlroy] the greatest golfer of our generation and I don't think he gets any leeway at all," the 2019 Open winner said. "And some of the s*** Harry gets off the back of it, now that really does my head in. had his brother caddying for him for 10 years and nobody said anything; other players have had the same caddie for 15 years, but everything Rory does is scrutinised."

"To be honest, there is no caddie in the world that would be better for Rory than Harry Diamond. Harry is always there a day before Rory.

He's always walking the course and doing his work. And I see it, but these guys sitting there on their stupid podcasts don't see it," Lowry told the

The partnership between Diamond and McIlroy has been slammed by various pundits and former pros, with some pointing to Diamond's apparent compliance with McIlroy as a potential reason why the Northern Irish golfer hasn't clinched a major title since 2014, reports .

Speculation has resurfaced about McIlroy's choice of caddie following the high-profile split between Billy Foster and Matt Fitzpatrick. Despite Foster's defence of Diamond, O'Hern, 53, did not mince words on his stance during the Talk Birdie To Me podcast.

"Now, Harry, who caddies for Rory and, as we know, is one of his best mates and he does a very good job," the Australian said. "However, in those crucial clutch moments, that's when you need someone who's got the experience, who's got the answer for the game."

Criticism has also come from coach Hank Haney and NBC Sports analyst Smylie Kaufman, who have pointed fingers at Diamond for the golfer's US Open disappointment in 2024.

"I don't really ever see Harry stepping in a ton," said Kaufman. "Rory always, if he has a question, he'll ask, but for the most part, Rory kind of goes and does his thing."

Yet, McIlroy's performance this year, with victories at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and The Players Championship, indicates that his partnership with Diamond, which began in 2017, is paying off.

The bond between McIlroy and Diamond extends far beyond the greens; they share a childhood friendship, and Diamond was even the best man at McIlroy's wedding in 2018. This deep connection has led to McIlroy defending Diamond on multiple occasions amidst any criticism.

"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 said in July 2024.

"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. He's been with me every step of the way for the last seven years now. He gets his fair share of stick and it's not warranted."

With the Masters approaching on April 10, McIlroy is one of the favourites to clinch the title. Diamond is expected to be right by his side as the tournament kicks off at Augusta.