In a stunning development that sent shockwaves through the golfing world, Rory McIlroy’s longtime caddie, Harry Diamond, was forced to leave the U.S. Open after what officials have described as a “breach of conduct” during the second round of play at Oakmont.
The surprise removal comes in the middle of a tense tournament, where McIlroy was among the favorites to lift the trophy and end his decade-long major drought.
What Went Wrong?
While full details remain under wraps, sources close to the USGA revealed that Diamond was involved in a heated on-course dispute with a tournament official after a ruling on McIlroy’s ball placement. Witnesses say Diamond refused to accept a rules clarification, leading to a prolonged argument and, eventually, his ejection from the event.
A brief statement from the USGA read:
“After violating tournament protocols and engaging in unprofessional conduct, caddie Harry Diamond has been removed from the grounds. The decision was made in the interest of preserving the integrity of play.”
Rory McIlroy Responds
McIlroy, visibly shaken, addressed the media after his round:
“I’ve never seen anything like it. Harry’s been by my side for years — this is a tough pill to swallow. I don’t agree with the decision, but I have to respect it and focus on finishing strong.”
The Northern Irishman was forced to continue with a temporary stand-in caddie provided by tournament officials, creating a dramatic and unfamiliar scenario for the four-time major winner.
Tensions Boiled Over
Rumors of tension between Diamond and USGA staff had been circulating for days, with some speculating that disagreements over tee times and course setup were contributing to a mounting frustration within Team McIlroy. The incident on Friday appears to have been the breaking point.
A player who requested anonymity commented:
“There’s always pressure at the U.S. Open, but I’ve never seen a caddie removed like that. It’s unprecedented — and honestly, it shook the field a bit.”
What’s Next?
It remains unclear whether Diamond will face further disciplinary action or whether McIlroy will choose to move forward with a new caddie for the remainder of the season.
Some insiders suggest the fallout could mark the end of the McIlroy-Diamond partnership, though no official statement has confirmed a split.
Final Word
The forced removal of Rory McIlroy’s caddie during a major championship is a rare and dramatic momentin professional golf. With the stakes already sky-high at Oakmont, this unexpected twist has only added to the intensity — and all eyes will be on McIlroy as he battles on without his trusted bagman.
