A bad tradesman always blames his tools – or in Rory McIlroy’s case his caddie.
After finishing tied-4th and seven shots off eventual winner Jordan Spieth at The Open earlier this month, McIlroy has decided to split from his long-time bagman JP Fitzgerald, according to reports.
The news comes as quite as shock – with Rory recently crediting JP for salvaging his opening round at Royal Birkdale.
And with McIlroy set to have a new caddie on his bag when he returns to action at the Bridgestone Invitational this week, we’re offering odds on who that lucky person will be.
McIlroy’s best pal Harry Diamond is the short-priced favourite at 8/13, while further down the betting Jim ‘Bones’ MacKay – recently sacked by Phil Mickelson – is an 8/1 shot.
Tiger Woods’ former bagman Steve Williams is a 14/1 selection, while Nick Faldo’s old caddie Fanny Sunesson is 40/1 to come out of retirement to partner Rory.
Former One Direction star Niall Horan – who famously caddied for McIlroy at the Augusta Par-3 contest – is a 100/1 shot to swap singing for sand wedges full-time.
And further down the betting is former World No.1 and 14-time Major winner Tiger Woods. The American has been in the golfing wilderness for some time – though odds of 300/1 suggests he won’t be seeking the caddie-route as a return to the sport anytime soon.
Asked his thoughts on Rory’s next caddie spokesman Paddy Power said: “Rory McIlroy’s golf career is only heading in one direction if he signs up Niall Horan – down the pan.
“With only a few days until the Bridgestone International Rory will be keen to secure a new bagman, and maybe he’s found a diamond in best pal Harry.”
Rory McIlroy’s Next Permanent Caddie
8/13 Harry Diamond
9/4 Billy Foster
9/2 Jim ‘Bones’ MacKay
7/1 Joe LaCava
10/1 Michael Doran
14/1 Steve Williams
14/1 Ricky Elliot
16/1 Gareth Lord
16/1 Ted Scott
16/1 Colin Byrne
20/1 Mike ‘Fluff’ Cowan
40/1 Fanny Sunesson
100/1 John Rathouz
100/1 Niall Horan
300/1 Gerry McIlroy
300/1 Tiger Woods
500/1 Romeo from ‘Tin Cup’