Article: Rory McIlroy’s U.S. Open Missteps and Caddie Decisions

The U.S. Open at Pinehurst took an unexpected turn for Rory McIlroy, as he missed crucial putts on the 16th and 18th holes during the final round. But it was a decision on the 15th hole that has raised some eyebrows in the golf world.

Smylie Kaufman, a former PGA Tour player turned NBC analyst, believes that McIlroy could have changed the course of the championship if his caddie, Harry Diamond, had intervened on the 15th hole. McIlroy hit a 7-iron on the 205-yard par-3, which resulted in his ball rolling off the back of the green and next to native grass.

Kaufman expressed his opinion on GOLF’s Subpar podcast, suggesting that McIlroy should have used an 8-iron instead and aimed for the middle of the green. He believes that the wrong club choice cost McIlroy the opportunity to take control of the championship.

The discussion on the podcast also delved into the dynamic between McIlroy and Diamond, with insights from Colt Knost, another Subpar co-host who works as a CBS on-course analyst. Knost highlighted that Diamond is soft-spoken but does offer his opinion to McIlroy, albeit in a subtle manner.

Overall, the debate surrounding McIlroy’s club selection on the 15th hole has sparked a conversation about the player-caddie relationship and the impact of decision-making in critical moments of a tournament. As McIlroy continues to reflect on his performance at the U.S. Open, the golf world remains intrigued by the intricacies of professional golf and the role of caddies in shaping a player’s success on the course.