Rory McIlroy ally loses temper with critics of his caddie: "I'll argue that with anyone!"

Shane Lowry has gone on a sensational rant in defence of Rory McIlroy's caddie Harry Diamond days before The Open. 

McIlroy's Ryder Cup teammate told BBC Sport Northern Ireland criticism of the four-time major champion's looper makes his blood boil. 

Diamond came under scrutiny by golf analysts, former players and fans after the final round of the 2024 US Open. 

The pair have enjoyed considerable success on the established tours as well as emotional Ryder Cup victories but a major championship still eludes them. 

Related: PGA Tour pro hits out at critics of Rory McIlroy's caddie

McIlroy relinquished a two-shot lead with six holes to play at Pinehurst No.2. and his club selection was questioned, particularly on the par-three 15th and par-four 18th holes. 

The 35-year-old used a 7-iron at the 15th, missed long and made bogey. 

He also opted for the driver on the 72nd hole which stunned Sir Nick Faldo and also dropped another shot. 

Bryson DeChambeau then grasped the opportunity with both hands to claim the third men's major of the year. 

For his part, McIlroy tore into Diamond's critics three weeks after the US Open. 

Tiger Woods' former coach Hank Haney, along with former PGA Tour pro Smylie Kaufman, were two figures from the golf world that have questioned Diamond. 

"I certainly wouldn't take advice from Hank," McIlroy said bluntly. 

He added: "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, you know, these guys that criticise when things don't go my way, they never say anything good when things do go my way."

McIlroy asked where Diamonds critics were when he won at Quail Hollow earlier in the year or when he clinched the Dubai Desert Classic for the fourth time. 

"They are never there to say Harry did such a great job when I win, but they are always there to criticise when we don't win," he added. 

Unsurprisingly, Lowry has also defended Diamond. 

"It makes my blood boil, to be honest," the Irishman told BBC Sport NI of the criticism he receives. 

"They don't see how hard Harry works and how good he is for Rory.

"Just because he's not standing in the middle of the tee box like other caddies who want to be seen and heard doesn't mean that his voice isn't heard by Rory."

Lowry added: "When you get to tournaments, he's always there before Rory, he's always walking the course. He works harder than any of the caddies out here."

"He's the best caddie for Rory and I'll argue that with anyone who wants to argue it with me," added Lowry.

"It's tough for him. Northern Ireland and Ireland is a small place. 

"I'm sure it's tough for Harry to go home and deal with all that but he'll be alright.

"That'll make the next one they get together all the sweeter."

A 10.09am BST tee time awaits McIlroy on Thursday at Royal Troon. 

He is playing with Tyrrell Hatton and Max Homa. 

Lowry, the 2019 Open champion, is playing at 2.59pm with Cameron Smith and Matthew Fitzpatrick. 

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