Rory McIlroy’s caddie speaks the day before The Open starts and reveals how he’s been playing in practice

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Rory McIlroy is currently in practice mode for The Open Championship, working alongside his caddie Harry Diamond.

Diamond is far from a ‘yes man’, with the caddie having come under fire for such an attitude during his time with McIlroy.

But the pair have enjoyed fantastic success together on the course, including three PGA Tour wins this season alone.

That includes McIlroy triumphing at The Masters, with a second win at The Open and sixth career major win now being eyed at Royal Portrush.

He has been busy practising ahead of the action getting underway on Thursday, where the home favourite will play alongside Justin Thomas and Tommy Fleetwood.

Harry Diamond reveals how Rory McIlroy has been playing in practice for The Open

And Diamond has now shared insight into their preparation, having discussed the player’s bag set-up and their plans on Wednesday.

He said on Live at The Range of McIlroy’s club selection: “Nothing new. We have had the two iron in for the last couple of events, so we have got used to that and he uses the low bounce 60 degree for most of the year as well, so pretty much the same set-up.”

READ MORE: The Open Championship: Tee times, featured groups, Royal Portrush weather forecast and more

And on his plans for the day with his close friend, Diamond commented: “We are going to try and play the front nine.”

Diamond added of McIlroy: “He’s in great form. He’s hitting it well. Just need to get off to a good start tomorrow.”

Rory McIlroy’s roller-coaster history at Royal Portrush

Royal Portrush is a venue that McIlroy and fellow Northern Irishman Diamond know very well, but they will be desperate to get as much practice in as possible.

The weather is certain to be unpredictable on the north coast of the country, while McIlroy missed the cut at the venue back at The Open in 2019.

READ MORE: Three reasons why Rory McIlroy can be quietly confident about winning The Open Championship at Royal Portrush

That came despite the player being roared on by his home supporters, with a similar atmosphere set to play out this week.

McIlroy suffered the complete opposite of a good start six years ago, hitting his opening tee shot out of bounds.

A nightmare eight represented a quadruple bogey, which set the tone for his opening round 79, after which he recovered to make a second round 65.

And that first round struggle was again the complete opposite of his stunning 61 at Portrush at the 2005 North of Ireland Championship, when a 16-year-old McIlroy set a new course record.