Rory McIlroy makes decision on sacking caddie Harry Diamond ahead of The Open

Rory McIlroy has hit back at criticism towards caddie Harry Diamond following the Northern Irishman’s devastating US Open collapse last month.

Over 10 years on from his last major win, McIlroy had the US Open in the palm of his hand, only to let it slip on the back nine and allowing Bryson DeChambeau to sneak in and steal the championship.

McIlroy announced he would take a short break from the sport following the US Open in North Carolina - a hiatus which is set to come to an end this week at the Scottish Open.

But in the aftermath of his Pinehurst performance, criticisms were levelled at McIlroy’s caddie Diamond, with some even calling for the four-time major winner to sack his childhood friend.

However, the US Open runner-up has rubbished such claims, commenting: “Just because Harry is not as vocal or loud with his words as other caddies, it doesn't mean that he doesn't say anything and that he doesn't do anything.

“I just wish that, you know, these guys that criticise when things don't go my way, they never say anything good when things do go my way.”

One of the most vocal detractors was Tiger Woods' former coach Hank Haney, who believes Diamond’s approach is too passive and doesn’t help McIlroy enough.

He said: "I felt like Harry Diamond really should have stepped in on the 15th hole. He did not have the right club in his hands.

“I would say that was a huge, huge mistake. I don’t really ever see Harry stepping in a ton. Rory always, if he has a question, he’ll ask, but for the most part, Rory kind of goes and does his thing and he’s got a lot of feel."

Those opinions appear to be immaterial - for now at least - because Diamond is set to carry the bag for McIlroy at The Renaissance Club this week.

And it could prove the perfect place for McIlroy to get his form back on track, given the County Down-born golfer returns to Scotland as the reigning Open champion.

McIlroy won the competition last year in outrageous fashion, arrowing a sublime 200-yard two-iron shot to set up a decisive birdie on the 18th.

Dubbing the shot ‘one of the best’ he’s ever hit, McIlroy’s heroics earned him a commemorative plaque, which is now on display at The Renaissance Club in North Berwick.

What McIlroy would do for a similar moment of magic when he returns to the course this weekend.