Rory McIlroy did not hold back in his response to the criticism he and his caddie, Harry Diamond, faced from Tiger Woods’ former coach, Hank Haney, following the US Open.
McIlroy, who had been aiming for his first major championship win in 10 years at Pinehurst No. 2, ended up losing by a single shot to Bryson DeChambeau. Despite leading by two shots with five holes to go, the Northern Irishman’s three bogeys in four holes allowed DeChambeau to claim the US Open title.
Many questioned McIlroy’s club choices during the final stretch, particularly on the 15th and 18th tee. On the 15th, his tee shot flew over the green, leading to the first of his three bogeys. He then hit a driver on the final hole in round four, instead of the three-wood he used on the previous days, resulting in trouble.
Haney took to social media to point the finger at McIlroy’s caddie, Diamond, who used to be Woods’ caddie. He tweeted, “If Steve Williams was Rory’s caddie, he would have never hit a perfect flighted 7 iron that rolled over the green on 15 into a terrible lie. He would have hit an 8 iron, sent it straight up in the air, and held the green.” Haney added that McIlroy’s club choice and shot were wrong, and it was a bad plan. He also stated that players who have won more than two majors have only been successful in one out of three times they were in serious contention, defined as being on the lead or tied for the lead on Sunday.
McIlroy played a secret round with Rahm and Poulter after his devastating loss at the US Open, and is now back in action for the Scottish Open and Open Championship. During his pre-tournament press conference, he addressed Haney’s criticism, stating that it was unfair and that he wouldn’t take advice or criticism from someone who has never been in that position. McIlroy also reflected on his tough finish at Pinehurst No. 2 but is now looking ahead and focusing on the positives. He said, “As you get further away from it happening, you start to see the positives and all the good things you did throughout the week.”
