Rory McIlroy breaks down when defending caddy amid Masters win

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Rory McIlroy had not won a major in 11 years before his incredible triumph at Augusta National on Sunday night. But he also had not won a major with his caddy, Harry Diamond, on the bag.

Because of this, McIlroy and Diamond had caught a lot of flak over the years, receiving an onslaught of criticism from fans, pundits, and media alike for their failure to win the biggest of tournaments. Look no further than the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 last year.

But Diamond, who took over for J.P. Fitzgerald in 2017, has known McIlroy for almost three decades. The two Ulstermen met on the putting green at their home course, Holywood Golf Club outside of Belfast, when McIlroy was only seven years old.

So when Eamon Lynch of the Golf Channel asked McIlroy about what it was like for Diamond to share this dream alongside him, McIlroy could not help but get choked up.

“We’ve had so many good times together. He’s been like a big brother to me the whole way through my life,” McIlroy said, fighting back tears.

“To be able to share this with him after all the close calls that we’ve had, all the crap that he’s had to take from people that don’t know anything about the game, yeah, this one is just as much his as it is mine. He’s a massive part of what I do, and I couldn’t think of anyone better to share it with than him.”

After he missed a par putt to win from on the 72nd green, a dejected McIlroy went to the scoring tent to sign his card and gather his thoughts before a playoff with Justin Rose.

Somehow, the now 5-time major champion collected himself, thanks in part to Diamond.

“Well, Pal, we would have taken this on Monday morning,” Diamond said to his man.

“Yeah, absolutely we would have,” McIlroy replied.

McIlroy then uncorked an unbelievable drive, stuck his approach to four feet, and won The Masters.

Everyone rejoiced, McIlroy and Diamond embraced, and the haters went silent.

Jack Milko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. Follow him on X @jack_milko.