Rory McIlroy’s old caddie misses out on millions – and pair haven’t spoken for years | Golf | Sport

The duo have been going strong since 2017, shortly after McIlroy parted ways with his former caddie, JP Fitzgerald. While there were many tense moments during their nine years together, four of McIlroy’s six majors were won with Fitzgerald by his side. Their separation took many people by surprise, given their success during the early part of McIlroy’s career.

Since their split, Fitzgerald has missed out on a huge amount of money. Caddies typically receive 10 per cent of their player’s winnings in professional golf, although they are sometimes awarded a more generous share.

McIlroy has earned up to £90million in prize money and bonuses since Diamond became his caddie, meaning Fitzgerald has missed out on around £9m over the last nine years.

He enjoyed a very fruitful partnership with the Northern Irishman, but they haven’t spoken since their professional split despite previously being close friends.

Fitzgerald stepped away from golf for two years after parting ways with McIlroy and revealed in 2019 that he was no longer in contact with his former employer.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, he added: “At the end of the day, I went away to collect my thoughts and recharge my batteries. It was obvious that I needed the break.

“But I’ve learned from every player with whom I’ve worked and Rory is no different to others like Ernie Els in that regard. I’m appreciative of the fact they’ve all helped me to get better as a caddie.”

McIlroy later explained why he decided to part ways with Fitzgerald, admitting that complacency from his side was a major factor.

He said: “I don’t want to throw him under the bus but there were a few things that happened in ’17 that were just…

“I think both people in a relationship like that can get complacent, and I think there was a bit of complacency, so I decided after the Masters it was probably time.

“I was getting very hard on him, really hard. really angry. It was partly to do with him and mostly to do with me. I wasn’t playing the best and was frustrated at myself and taking it out on him: ‘I’m f***ing trying hard here!’

“And whether that was [related] to a club I’d hit, or wanted to hit, but it was not good. And it’s something I would never do with Harry. Never.”