Shane Lowry: Criticism of Rory McIlroy's Diamond caddie 'makes my blood boil'

Coach Hank Haney and Golf Channel analyst Smylie Kaufman were among those to query Diamond.

LONG-TIME FRIENDS: Rory McIlroy speaks with his caddie Harry Diamond on the 5th hole during day four of the Genesis Scottish Open. Pic: Malcolm Mackenzie/PA Wire.

Shane Lowry has launched an impassioned defence of Rory McIlroy’s caddie Harry Diamond who came in for strong criticism after his player’s failure to get over the line at the US Open in Pinehurst last month.

McIlroy missed two agonizing putts at 16 and 18, the latter after choosing his driver on the last hole when the more judicious option would have been to reach for something, anything, else given Bryson DeChambeau’s penchant for rolling the dice off the tee.