Rory McIlroy's caddie, Harry Diamond, is proving his critics wrong after a profitable start to the season. Since their partnership began in 2017, choice of his long-standing friend and bagman has been under scrutiny by some who think he should make a change in pursuit of adding to his tally of major titles, with his last coming more than a decade ago.

Debate over the suitability of McIlroy's caddie resurfaced when one of golf's most admired caddies, Billy Foster, parted ways with Matt Fitzpatrick. Yet, McIlroy's performance this year, boasting victories at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and The Players Championship, indicates that his decision to stick with Diamond is being vindicated. According to Golf Monthly, Diamond's earnings could have reached as much as £672,000 since the beginning of the year. That figure surpasses the winnings of several big-name players, including Wyndham Clark, Jordan Spieth and Tom Kim, for the same period.

The biggest paycheque for McIlroy this year was at The Players, where he raked in close to £3.5m. Nonetheless, PGA Tour player Nick O'Hern is among those who believe McIlroy should make a chance and join forces with Foster, 61.

O'Hern shared his thoughts on the Talk Birdie To Me podcast, saying: "Now, Harry, who caddies for Rory and, as we know, is one of his best mates and he does a very good job."

Reflecting on McIlroy's collapse at last year's US Open, O'Hern suggested that a seasoned caddie would have stepped in with decisive advice. He said: "A great caddie there would have said, 'No, Rory, you aren't hitting this club [at the par three 15th].

"We are gonna put you at the front of this green and you are gonna have a long putt but it will be uphill and I am backing you from the two-putt there'. Billy Foster is the kind of guy who would've said, 'Rory, we're not doing this. We're gonna do this right here'."

However, Foster has defended Diamond, telling Prime Casino: "He has just won two signature events and The Players' Championship in four starts and they're still on his back. Give the lad a break. He's a very good caddie.

"Harry, don't read the s****, as simple. Because it is s****. Somebody's opinion that is not educated, I think it's wrong. I'd leave Harry alone. Rory's playing better than anybody this year and they're still giving the caddy flack. It's out of order."