Rick Shiels has been speaking about Rory McIlroy’s final round in the US Open and suggested it could be time for a big change.
McIlroy fluffed his lines over the last few holes to surrender a two-shot lead and see Bryson DeChambeau produce the bunker shot of his life to win out at PInehurst.
The Northern Irishman missed a putt from inside three feet on the final hole to give DeChambeau the chance to win it and he duly obliged.
As we know, McIlroy stormed off from Pinehurst and will now take a break from the game before coming back at the Scottish Open.
- READ MORE: DP World Tour player claims Rory McIlroy would have won the US Open if he’d just made one change
McIlroy will be defending his title in Scotland. However, popular YouTuber Rick Shiels has suggested that a big call might be needed from the 34-year-old.
Rick Shiels says ‘stupid’ Rory McIlroy decision shows a change is needed
Speaking on the latest episode of his Rick Shiels golf show, Shiels suggested Rory’s approach to the final hole was just plain incorrect.
“I thought it was a stupid club decision on 18. I know Nick Faldo was talking about it on the commentary. I don’t think he should have hit driver,” Shiels said.
“He’d hit 3-wood every day. He’s hit driver into the rubbish. Left it short of the green, didn’t get up and down, I don’t know.
“I’ve never been in this camp but there’s a lot of talk now about whether it’s time for him to get a new caddie? I’ve never been in that camp but you look at those decisions and think, is it time?”.
Who is Rory McIlroy’s caddie?
Like with any major sports-person who loses in tough circumstances, everything around them will be looked at in great detail and with golf, that stretches to the caddies.
As of now, Rory McIlroy’s caddie is long-term friend, Harry Diamond.
Diamond has been on the bag for McIlroy since 2017, when the Northern Irishman moved on from another long-term friend and partner, J.P. Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald was on the bag as McIlroy won all four of his major championships and since Diamond has been on, the majors have dried up.
However, Diamond has been on the bag for multiple PGA Tour wins, Ryder Cup wins, and also three FedEx Cup successes, along with two Race to Dubai successes.
So, while the calls for Diamond to be replaced are there, McIlroy and Diamond will point to success everywhere but at majors as evidence they work well together.
Time will tell, but McIlroy would be making a tough call here and in all likelihood, will stick with his man for now.
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