Rory McIlroy's caddie Harry Diamond has been urged to drown out the criticism aimed at him, which has been branded "out of order" by Billy Foster. Foster, who recently split with star Matt Fitzpatrick after six years working together, is regarded as one of 's premier caddies.

Despite 's stellar start to 2025 that has seen the 35-year-old claim victory at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and The Players Championship, that hasn't done much to minimise the criticism Diamond has been subjected to. Former PGA Tour golfer Nick O'Hern has made his opinion clear who given the availability of Foster.

Despite O'Hern singing his praises, Foster was left incensed with the disrespect towards Diamond who has worked with McIlroy since 2017. He urged the caddie to block out the noise and ensured him that he's been successful in his role beside the four-time major champion. "The criticism [of Harry Diamond] is not fair at all. It makes me laugh really at the people getting on his back," he told 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**** that's simple as. 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."

Ahead of the Masters which commences in less than two weeks, McIlroy is among the favourites to claim what would be a maiden Green Jacket and a first major in 11 years. Foster said he can only see the relationship between the pair - who are best friends and have known each other since they were junior golfers - getting stronger.

"Harry is his best mate, isn't he? He has always been. He was there before he started caddying for him. Harry was his best mate. Harry's a very good golfer in his own right too. He's a plus two handicap or whatever he is and keeps himself to himself. He does everything right, he just needs to be left alone and left to get on with it. He does a really good job. I can only see the relationship getting stronger and stronger. He's caddied for him for a number of years now.

"Listen, we all make mistakes out there and you learn from them. You move on and that's it. You can only have one mind and that's about concentrating on the tournament. Use the newspapers as fish and chip paper. Just prepare and do your best for the tournament you're involved in. You can't look back. You've got to move forward."

While O'Hern did admit that he believes Diamond does a fine job as McIlroy's right-hand man, he said he thinks the golfer needs an experienced head when it comes to crucial moments during a tournament. "Now, Harry, who caddies for Rory and, as we know, is one of his best mates and he does a very good job, he said on the Talk Birdie To Me podcast. "However, in those crucial clutch moments, that's when you need someone who's got the experience, who's got the answer for the game, the feel that can sense it."