Rory McIlroy’s U.S. Open Collapse: Fans Blame Unexpected Culprit

Rory McIlroy’s U.S. Open Collapse: Fans Blame Unexpected Culprit

It’s been a long wait since PGA Tour veteran Rory McIlroy last clinched a major championship. On Sunday at the 2024 U.S. Open, it seemed as though his drought might finally end. McIlroy, up by two shots on the back nine at Pinehurst No. 2, was on the cusp of victory. However, his putter went ice cold down the stretch, leading to a heart-wrenching collapse that saw him miss two crucial putts inside four feet on the 70th and 72nd holes.

The Heartbreaking Finish

The final result was a disappointing solo second-place finish for McIlroy, a familiar yet frustrating position for the Northern Irishman. While many have pinpointed his putting woes as the main reason for his downfall on Sunday, a growing number of fans and commentators believe there’s another factor at play.

The Caddie Conundrum

Since 2017, McIlroy has been working with his childhood friend Harry Diamond, after parting ways with his longtime caddie J.P. Fitzgerald. It’s worth noting that all four of McIlroy’s major victories came with Fitzgerald on the bag. The recent U.S. Open has reignited debate over whether a change in caddie could be the key to unlocking McIlroy’s major-winning potential.

Fans Weigh In

Social media has been abuzz with fans suggesting McIlroy needs a caddie who can offer more strategic guidance rather than just companionship. “Rory needs a proper caddie who will help him, not just a mate carrying the bag. That 7 iron into the par three was too much club. Get Steve Williams, mate,” one fan commented. Another echoed, “Change of caddie is needed, Rory.”

The Case for a New Caddie

The argument for a new caddie isn’t about laying blame at Diamond’s feet for McIlroy’s recent near-miss. Instead, it’s about the potential benefits of having a more experienced, vocal caddie who can offer critical insights during high-pressure moments. “It’s definitely not Harry Diamond’s fault Rory McIlroy didn’t win the U.S. Open BUT he may have a better chance of winning a major with a new, more vocal, caddie,” opined Paul, a fan on social media.

Looking Ahead

In the wake of his U.S. Open disappointment, McIlroy announced he would be taking a few weeks off before the Scottish Open and the Open Championship later this summer. The break may provide McIlroy with some much-needed time to reflect and make any necessary adjustments as he continues his quest for another major title. Whether those adjustments will include a new caddie remains to be seen.

As McIlroy prepares for the next phase of the season, the debate over his caddie will likely continue, with fans and pundits eagerly watching to see if a change in his support team could be the key to ending his major championship drought.