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.