Rory McIlroy first met Harry Diamond on the putting green at Holywood Golf Club when he was seven years old. It’s been a heck of a journey since.
20 years ago, Diamond was on the bag for a bushy haired, bouncing, 16-year-old McIlroy on his debut appearance at the Irish Open as an amateur in Carton House.
After four majors and a 2016 Irish Open alongside JP Fitzgerald, McIlroy called on the services of his best pal and 2025 has been a year of vindication for Harry as much as Rory.
McIlroy stated in his pre-tournament press conference that although he had won the career Grand Slam, he hadn’t won it with Harry. Now he has won an Irish Open with Diamond who must feel a weight off his shoulders after taking a fair chunk of flack for McIlroy’s near misses.
“I played my first Irish Open at Carton House down the road 20 years ago in 2005 with Harry on the bag. It’s been a pretty cool journey since then. Just an amazing week,” said McIlroy after winning his second Irish Open title.
It’s been a year of redemption for both. After recent heartbreaking losses at the Open and two US Opens, 2025 has seen the pair celebrate four statement victories including the Masters.
Nobody is questioning whether McIlroy should have taken driver off the 18th in Pinehurst. Nobody is questioning whether having your bestie on the bag is the key to a winning machine.
McIlroy’s homecoming tour began in Royal Portrush and ended in glory at the K Club on Sunday – and with a roar fit to rival anything heard around the world.
“2025 is the year that keeps on giving, isn’t it?” chuckled McIlroy. “Yeah, it is. I said it out there in the room, but 2025 is going to go on as one of the best years of my career. If not the best, or at least the most memorable for a lot of different reasons.
“Just an incredible week. The crowds, the atmosphere out there all week, but especially over the weekend and being in the last few groups. Just such a thrill and such a pleasure to play in front of so many people.
“To feel that support and have them willing you down the closing stretch. I’m glad I rewarded them with all their support with a nice finish there in 18 and obviously getting the job done in the play-off. As an Irish golfer growing up, one of the ones we always wanted to win was the Irish Open.”
McIlroy was in a reflective mood all week. On Thursday he took the family to The Avenue in Maynooth.
He was brought back to the days of Golfing Union of Ireland panels in Carton House and coming through the amateur ranks as he forged the pathway that would eventually lead to golfing immortality.
Possibly the last time McIlroy dined in the popular student town it might have ended up with one or two too many in Brady’s or The Roost.
But while Noel Gallagher enjoyed a few pints with the locals a few weeks ago, McIlroy was happy with a quiet family meal and time to once again take stock on the journey he has been on.
There’s no doubt that since winning the career grand slam, McIlroy has spent a lot of time walking down memory lane.
McIlroy added to his legacy with a second Irish Open title, denying the unheralded Joakim Lagergren a career-highlight win.
In adding to his legacy this year, he has also changed Harry’s who will go down as a legendary caddie.
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