Smylie Kaufman responds after Rory McIlroy calls him out during press conference

Rory McIlroy’s Pinehurst No. 2 Nightmare: The Fallout and the Future

Rory McIlroy’s performance at the US Open in Pinehurst No. 2 was a moment he’d likely prefer to forget. The world number two experienced a devastating collapse, marred by two glaring putting errors in his final round, which allowed Bryson DeChambeau to claim the trophy. Despite his best efforts to move past this disappointment, the aftermath has continued to linger.

Moving Past the US Open Collapse

McIlroy has been working hard to put this chapter behind him, bolstered by the support of many within the golfing community who reached out to him after the tournament. With a renewed focus, he has shifted his efforts to the Scottish Open, a competition he won at The Renaissance Club in his last outing.

Smylie Kaufman’s Critique and Response

However, the past resurfaced when Smylie Kaufman openly criticized McIlroy’s caddie, Harry Diamond, for some of the decisions made during the final round at Pinehurst. McIlroy, a four-time major champion, was not pleased with these remarks, especially those from Kaufman and Hank Haney, calling the criticism of Diamond ‘unfair.’

Kaufman responded to McIlroy’s defense of Diamond on X, stating, “The 15th hole that day I suggested that I felt like 7 iron was too much club and that 8 iron was the safer option considering where he stood in the tournament. There is an element of luck involved in Pinehurst and no doubt he was unlucky there at 15 with where his ball ended up. Similar to the really good 5 iron he hit that day at 5 that ended up in a worse spot. It really is an impossible course to caddie on as it is so complex to try to figure out what club to pull. When good shots end up in bad places I always have to question the decision making as it’s my job to do so. I have nothing but respect for Rory and Harry as I think they make a great team and wishing them both the best this week and future weeks.”

Calls for Change

Despite the strong partnership McIlroy and Diamond have enjoyed, leading to numerous victories, the criticism persisted. Many golf fans voiced their opinion that McIlroy needs to change his caddie to secure another major win. The scrutiny peaked following McIlroy’s final round at the US Open, where he carded bogeys on three of his last four holes and missed crucial par putts within four feet on the 16th and 18th holes. His decision to drive the 18th also came under fire, adding to the controversy.

Looking Ahead

After a lengthy break following the disastrous final round, McIlroy has returned to the course, ready to defend his title at the Scottish Open. As the golfing world turns its attention to The Renaissance Club, McIlroy and his caddie Diamond face the challenge of putting the US Open behind them and proving their resilience and strength as a team.