Rory McIlroy and his former caddie JP Fitzgerald, who together clinched four major titles, haven’t spoken since their professional split. The pair, who were once close pals, achieved great success on the PGA Tour, propelling McIlroy to become a global golf sensation second only to Tiger Woods.
However, as McIlroy’s major title drought extended, they decided to part ways. Fitzgerald was let go from his role as McIlroy’s caddie in the summer of 2017, following a nearly three-year dry spell that would extend over a decade before McIlroy’s stunning Masters victory.
After being sacked, Fitzgerald took a two-year hiatus, suggesting the decision had taken a toll on him, as per the Mirror US. In 2019 Fitzgerald disclosed to The Daily Mail that he hasn’t had any contact with McIlroy since their professional separation.
“At the end of the day, I went away to collect my thoughts and recharge my batteries,” Fitzgerald shared. “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.”
Their split came as a surprise, especially considering McIlroy had publicly praised Fitzgerald at their last event together, the Open at Royal Birkdale.
Despite a rocky start where McIlroy was four-over par through just five holes, Fitzgerald pulled him aside on the sixth hole and gave him a stern talking-to about his performance. He snapped at him: “You’re Rory f—— McIlroy, what are you doing?”.
Despite a rocky moment, McIlroy managed to recover and clinched fourth place. He valued Fitzgerald’s motivational words yet decided after the competition that it was time for a change of personnel.
His victory at the 2014 PGA Championship remains his last major win with Fitzgerald. After taking a brief respite post-Open triumph, McIlroy kept his momentum and claimed an electric victory at Valhalla, navigating through a two-hour weather interruption.
Nowadays, McIlroy is on a quest to recapture the form he once showcased under Fitzgerald’s guidance, especially now that he has lifted the weight of achieving a career grand slam off his shoulders with his Masters victory. Intent on expanding his trophy collection, McIlroy enters the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow on Thursday keen to secure another win.
Fitzgerald continues his life on the greens, briefly caddying for the dynamic American Matt Wolff in June, though their partnership spanned only two tournaments.
Subsequently, Fitzgerald teamed up with French golfer Victor Perez and not long after, helped him celebrate his maiden European Tour win with a stunning performance at the Dunhill Links Championship.
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