Shane Lowry has come out swinging in defence of Rory McIlroy's caddie Harry Diamond, expressing his frustration over the criticism levelled at them following their US Open disappointment.
The Irish golfer was quick to stand up for McIlroy and his right-hand man after a tough finish at last month's tournament in Pinehurst saw them lose their lead in the final holes.
Despite McIlroy being in pole position with a two-shot advantage during the latter stages of the championship, a series of bogeys allowed Bryson DeChambeau to snatch the title by just one shot.
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Diamond faced scrutiny over his club choices for McIlroy, but Lowry dismissed this as nonsense, stating: "It's the one thing that really drives me insane.
"I watched Rory and watched him miss those two putts and not win and then you have people criticising him and Harry which is, I mean, it really makes my blood boil."
As Lowry gears up for a shot at his second Claret Jug at Royal Troon, attention remains on McIlroy's recent slip-up. However, Lowry brushed off any talk of McIlroy needing a new caddie post-Pinehurst, while also taking a swipe at other caddies who seek the spotlight.
He praised Diamond's dedication, saying: "Harry Diamond is the best person in the world to caddy for Rory McIlroy and I see it week in week out and he works harder than any of the caddies out here he's always here before him, walking the courses."
Lowry highlighted Diamond's supportive nature, contrasting it with the behaviour of some caddies who crave TV time and assertiveness on the course, adding: "He's there for him and even though he's not on the middle of the tee box like all these caddies who want to be on TV talking loud and telling Rory what to do he still makes his voice heard."
"Until you live that moment and that situation you never know how it is. Like I say, honestly, I've lived the situation. I don't think anybody is fit to comment on it."
