Rory McIlroy ‘sacks’ long-time caddie JP Fitzgerald, reports claim
Written by News on 31/07/2017
Rory McIlroy has sacked his long-time caddie JP Fitzgerald, according to Reuters, ending a partnership that took the Northern Irishman to four major titles and the top of the world rankings.
McIlroy will have a new caddie on his bag at the World Golf Championships Bridgestone Invitational this week after ending his nine-year relationship with his fellow Irishman, said a source, who did not want to be named.
There was no immediate response from McIlroy’s management to an e-mailed request for comment late on Sunday.
Phil Mickelson parted ways with his caddie Jim ‘Bones’ Mackay earlier this month after a 25-year partnership that netted the American five major titles.
Fitzgerald’s sacking, which McIlroy is expected to confirm on his arrival at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio, comes barely a week after he publicly thanked his caddie. Fitzgerald was praised for reviving a first-round comeback after McIlroy made a poor start to The Open at Royal Birkdale.
McIlroy, who won his last major at the 2014 PGA Championship, employed Fitzgerald in 2008 shortly after turning professional.
The pair enjoyed a brilliantly successful partnership as McIlroy took over from Tiger Woods as the game’s dominant force and became world number one.
"He has taken me from 200 in the world to major champion," McIlroy said of Fitzgerald in 2011.
It now looks like The Open was Fitzgerald’s swan song with McIlroy, who flirted with contention in the final round before finishing equal fourth.
(c) Sky News 2017: Rory McIlroy ‘sacks’ long-time caddie JP Fitzgerald, reports claim
