Hank Haney, Tiger Woods’ longtime coach, has expressed his thoughts on Rory McIlroy potentially switching caddies for 2025 after failing to finish the US Open.

McIlroy’s major championship drought now spans more than a decade, despite the fact that he appears to be on track to break it at the US Open in June. The 35-year-old won his first major in the US Open in 2011, but he was unable to close off his sole lead at Pinehurst No. 2 with four holes remaining, bogeying three of them.

Despite Woods’ collapse in the final holes of the US Open, his old instructor advised that McIlroy should not change his caddy. Haney said, “No, I believe his caddy is ideal for him. I never claimed he wasn’t good for Rory; I just said they made a mistake with #15 at the US Open. I’m a big admirer of friend caddies; anyone can make a mistake.
The Northern Irishman and his caddie, Harry Diamond, a childhood friend and best man at his wedding to Erica Stoll, drew criticism after Bryson DeChambeau beat him to the US Open. McIlroy has already replied to Haney’s comments about using buddies as caddies. Woods’ old instructor stated that friendships between players and caddies can

Work, but only if the caddy is forceful.

McIlroy answered, “It’s certainly unfair.” Hank Haney has never held that role. Smylie has been in that position before, and I adore Smylie, who was out there with us on 18.

“But just because Harry is not as vocal or loud with his words as other caddies, it doesn’t mean that he doesn’t say anything and that he doesn’t do anything. I just wish that these guys who criticize when things don’t go my way … they never say anything good when things do go my way.

“So where were they when I won Dubai earlier year or Quail Hollow or the two FedEx Cups that I’ve won with Harry or the two Ryder Cups or whatever? They are never there to say Harry did such a great job when I win, but they are always there to criticize when we don’t win.