Shane Lowry defends Rory McIlroy over ‘blood boiling’ criticism

Shane Lowry admits that one criticism of Rory McIlroy makes his ‘blood boil’.

And it’s a common one.

In the wake of the four-time major champion’s US Open collapse at Pinehurst last month, his caddie Harry Diamond caught strays (again).

At last week’s Genesis Scottish Open, McIlroy said comments from Hank Haney were ‘unfair’ as he launched a robust defence of his childhood friend and looper.

Now, it’s the 35-year-old’s pal and fellow Open champion Lowry who is taking none of the stick.

“It makes my blood boil, to be honest,” the Irishman told BBC Sport NI. “They don’t see how hard Harry works and how good he is for Rory.

“Just because he’s not standing in the middle of the tee box like other caddies who want to be seen and heard doesn’t mean that his voice isn’t heard by Rory.

“When you get to tournaments, he’s always there before Rory, he’s always walking the course. He works harder than any of the caddies out here.”

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Diamond was criticised for his players club selection, as McIlroy bogeyed three of the last four holes in North Carolina to relinquish his lead.

It’s been ten years since McIlroy tasted major success, but Lowry insists a change on the bag would not heighten the pair’s chances of getting over the line.

In fact, he said the criticism will make it “all the sweeter” when McIlroy takes his tally to five.

“He’s the best caddie for Rory and I’ll argue that with anyone who wants to argue it with me,” Lowry added.

“It’s tough for him. Northern Ireland and Ireland is a small place. I’m sure it’s tough for Harry to go home and deal with all that but he’ll be alright.

“That’ll make the next one they get together all the sweeter.”

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For Lowry, the thought of winning a second major is the “only thing” that drives him.

The 37-year-old is yet to finish inside the top ten at the Open since lifting the Claret Jug at Royal Portrush in 2019.

“What really keeps me going is the big tournaments, the majors and the Ryder Cup,” he said. “That’s the reason I get up in the morning to go and practice.

“I know I have one but obviously I want one more and you want it so badly because you’ve tasted that success.

“The one thing it does give you, is that I know if I’m there or thereabouts on Sunday, that I have what it takes.”

He’ll go off with Ryder Cup team-mate Matthew Fitzpatrick and 2022 Open winner Cameron Smith for the opening two rounds in south Ayrshire.

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Tryst Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.