Rory McIlroy's caddie Harry Diamond has four words for what comes next...

Rory McIlroy's caddie Harry Diamond has reacted to seeing the Northern Irishman returned to the top of the Official World Golf Ranking.

Ben Smith

27 Oct 2022

Rory McIlroy's caddie Harry Diamond has four words for what comes next...

Rory McIlroy may have returned to the World No.1 spot for the ninth time in his career but he's only "close", according to his caddie Harry Diamond.

McIlroy, 33, has been in glistening form over the past six months. His critics will of course inform you of the date he last won a major championship.

But there is absolutely no denying in his consistency on the PGA Tour and DP World Tour.

There's also the remarkable consistency in which he'll continue to talk about that tour.

As our Andy Roberts writes, there is absolutely no debate about who the best player on the planet is right now.

McIlroy has three wins (including a record third FedEx Cup) and five top-10 finishes in his last 15 starts since that memorable late flurry at The Masters in April.

The Northern Irishman admitted that finding joy in his golf after a brutal Ryder Cup has led to an improved performance.

After lifting the CJ Cup, he said:

"I've worked so hard over the last 12 months to get to this place. I feel like I'm enjoying the game as much as I ever have.

"I absolutely love the game of golf and I feel like when I go out there and I play with that joy, it’s definitely showed over these last 12 months…it’s a big achievement.

"I'm really proud of myself right now…I never feel like I've figured this game out, I don't think I ever will figure it out, but everyday I wake up trying to get closer."

McIlroy thanked Diamond and the rest of his team in South Carolina after going straight to his good luck charm.

And Diamond reportedly told Barstool Sports' Dan Rapaport:

"Yeah [it was] close to his best, [but there is] still room for improvement though. Time for some majors."

Since his last major win, McIlroy's choice of continuing to employ Diamond has consistently been called into question by his naysayers.

In September, he leapt to Diamond's defence. McIlroy labelled Diamond and "easy target".

He previously told BBC Sport Radio Northern Ireland:

"I think over the years I've proven I know what I'm doing out here. I wouldn't have him on the bag if I didn't think he was good at what he did."

"Harry's a really calming presence to have by my side. He's grown into his role really well. I think our record speaks for itself. We've won a ton. We've won two FedEx Cups together.

"I've no doubt in my mind if I keep playing the golf that I'm playing currently, I'll have a lot more chances to win major championships."

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