Caddie JP one of my closest pals, says Rory

RORY McILROY made it clear yesterday he has complete faith in caddie JP Fitzgerald and described the Dubliner as “one of my closest friends”.

Fitzgerald came in for criticism in the wake McIlroy’s meltdown during the final round of the Masters at Augusta. But the 22-year-old bounced back in magnificent fashion to win the US Open less than eight weeks later with Fitzgerald at his side.

“We sat down after Augusta and realised where we both went wrong,” said McIlroy. “We didn’t communicate like we usually do. Everything went very quiet. Everything went way too serious. Okay, you’re leading the Masters so of course it’s serious.

“But it was different from the way I treated the Thursday at the Masters. I’d warm up, I’d chat, I’d just be loose, then go out and shoot 65. There is no reason why it shouldn’t be exactly like that on the Sunday afternoon. You’re just going out to play 18 holes of golf.”

McIlroy was still one ahead with nine holes to play before disaster struck at Augusta’s par four 10th hole and ended his chance of the coveted green jacket. Given that most of the field played a three wood from the tee, there was considerable surprise when McIlroy opted for the driver and wasn’t talked out of it by Fitzgerald. He still has no qualms about the decision.

“I hit the same club I had hit the three previous days,” he stated.

“If you have a game plan, you stick to it. Driver was the game plan and I was comfortable with it. I was actually more comfortable that week turning my driver rather than my three wood. My three wood comes off with a lot lower spin so it’s hard to get turn on it like the driver — except that the driver turned too much! I won’t be under pressure next time because I’ve been there.

“I remember coming off the first tee at Congressional on Sunday and saying to JP, we need to keep talking to ourselves. You know, it’s a two-way thing. If he goes quiet, I need to talk to him and if I go quiet, he needs to talk to me.

“That’s something that was completely different on the Sunday at Augusta. Both of us were feeling the pressure. It was the first time he’s ever been in that position so it was a learning process for both of us.

“JP has been on my bag since the middle of 2008 when I was 200th in the world. I’m now third. He’s a guy who’s been with me through all my five wins on tour. He’s been with me through some tough play-off losses, with me through everything. So if it’s not broke, you don’t fix it. I have a great relationship with JP. He’s become one of my closest friends over the past three years and it’s a combination I think is working very well.”