Tiger Woods’ former coach Hank Haney has made a U-turn regarding Rory McIlroy potentially looking for a different caddie after a rough 2024 season that was capped off by his U.S. Open disaster

Tiger Woods’ former caddie Hank Haney made a U-turn on his thoughts regarding Rory McIlroy and his caddie situation

Tiger Woods’ former coach has made a U-turn on his comments suggesting Rory McIlroy should look elsewhere to reverse his fortunes.

Hank Haney criticized Harry Diamond for his choice of club during the 15th hole at the U.S. Open, which McIlroy choked away, allowing Bryson DeChambeau to steal the win at the death. At the time, Haney called the move a “bad decision” and watching the Northern Irishman play at the BMW Championship brought new criticisms to the forefront.

At one point, McIlroy tossed his club in frustration leading to Haney posting the clip on social media and declaring the star was “not happy.” Haney has backtracked on those comments and insists Diamond’s help is what is needed for McIlroy to succeed moving forward.

“No, I think his caddie is great for him,” Haney said on X. “I never said he wasn’t great for Rory, I said they made a mistake on #15 at the US Open. I actually am actually a big fan of friend caddie’s, anyone can make a mistake.”

His comments come after McIlroy defended Diamond from the criticism, claiming friends do not make successful caddies because of the added pressure of maintaining a personal relationship. McIlroy and Diamond have been friends since the two were young with the caddie serving as the best man at golf star’s wedding.

In response to those comments, McIlroy hit back at Haney, claiming Woods’ former coach has “never been in that position.” “Smylie has been in that position once, and I love Smylie, and he was out there with us on 18,” he said. “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.

Rory McIlroy’s form at the BMW Championship and in recent months have been questioned (

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Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

“I just wish that, you know, these guys that criticize when things don’t go my way, they never say anything good when things do go my way. …

“So where were they when I won Dubai earlier year or Quail Hollow or the two FedEx Cups that I’ve won with Harry or the two Ryder Cups or whatever? 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.

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“At the end of the day, they are not there. They are not in the arena. They are not the ones hitting the shots and making the decisions. Someone said to me once, you would never-if you would never take advice from these people, you would never take their criticisms, either. Certainly wouldn’t go to Hank Haney for advice. I love Smylie, but I think I know what I’m doing, and so does Harry.”

McIlroy’s outing at the BMW Championship has been mired with incidents. After a less-than-stellar outing on the 17th hole, the Northern Irishman threw his club into the nearby water, forcing him to retrieve it just moments later.

Then, McIlroy was spotted snapping his driver in half. A wayward tee shot sent his ball bouncing into the water hazard on the 9th hole at Castle Pines, causing him to release his frustration at his club.

Despite his forgettable outing at the BMW Championship following his heartbreak at the U.S. Open, McIlroy will have a chance to make it up at the Tour Championship.