Rory McIlroy told to fire best friend and caddie in brutal advice ahead of The Masters

Rory McIlroy has been advised to part ways with his long-time caddie and best friend, Harry Diamond, ahead of The Masters. Former PGA Tour golfer Nick O’Hern believes McIlroy should seize the opportunity to hire Billy Foster, who recently split from Matt Fitzpatrick. With The Masters looming, McIlroy is under pressure to make strategic changes to end his 11-year major title drought.

McIlroy, 35, last won a major at the PGA Championship in 2014, adding to his victories at The Open, the PGA Championship in 2012, and the U.S. Open in 2011. Despite his stellar career, The Masters has remained elusive, with his best finish being runner-up in 2022. Having already won the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and The Players Championship this season, he is considered a strong contender for Augusta, but O’Hern believes a change in caddie could be the missing piece.

Speaking on the *Talk Birdie To Me* podcast, O’Hern emphasized that Foster’s availability presents a golden opportunity for McIlroy. “Billy Foster is on the market, and I’m sure many top players would want him,” O’Hern said. While McIlroy has had a resurgence in 2025, critics argue that a seasoned caddie like Foster could provide the strategic edge he needs to finally capture the elusive green jacket.