Rory McIlroy Comments on J.P. Fitzgerald Split

Rory McIlroy caused a stir on Monday when it was reported that he had parted ways with long-time caddie J.P. Fitzgerald. The four-time major champion hired the Irishman in 2008, and they enjoyed great success together over the best part of a decade, essentially the entirety of the 28-year-old's career.

Now, ahead of the WGC Bridgestone Invitational in Akron, Ohio, the 28-year-old has confirmed the split and commented on the details behind it with typical candor that he's known for. 

"Yeah, look, it's a big change. J.P. has been a huge part of my life for the last decade. We started in July 2008 and went all the way up to July this year," McIlroy noted. "A lot of great times, on and off the golf course. I still consider J.P. one of my best friends, one of my closest friends. But sometimes, to preserve a personal relationship you might have to sacrifice a professional one, and that was sort of the decision that I came to in the end. I was getting very hard on him on the golf course, and I didn't want to treat someone like that, but sometimes the game does that to you. I felt it was the right decision. I don't think there is any good time to do it. It was a really touch decision to make."

 

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Aug 2, 2017 at 10:52am PDT

Rory McIlroy will have friend Harry Diamond on the bag this week and for the US PGA Championship.