Rory McIlroy secured a second consecutive victory at the Masters, edging out the field by a single shot at Augusta. While the spotlight naturally falls on the champion, his longtime caddie and close friend Harry Diamond also benefits significantly from the win.
After four demanding rounds, McIlroy once again slipped on the iconic Green Jacket—just a year after his dramatic first triumph completed a career Grand Slam. This time, the path was different. Despite surrendering a six-shot lead and briefly trailing in the final round, he recovered to claim victory without the need for a playoff.
The Role of Harry Diamond
No professional golfer operates in isolation. Behind every shot is the input of a trusted caddie, and for nearly a decade, McIlroy has relied on Diamond.
The two grew up together in Holywood, Northern Ireland, and Diamond became McIlroy’s caddie in 2017 after replacing JP Fitzgerald. Their partnership has now delivered sustained success, including multiple major moments at Augusta.
That relationship has not been without scrutiny. Following setbacks such as the 2024 U.S. Open, critics questioned Diamond’s role. McIlroy, however, consistently defended him, emphasizing the trust and stability Diamond brings.
One notable example came at the 2021 Wells Fargo Championship, where Diamond’s advice on the final hole helped McIlroy make a decisive call that ultimately secured the win. McIlroy later credited him for keeping him composed and focused under pressure.
With two Masters titles and 21 professional wins together, the partnership has proven effective. McIlroy has repeatedly stated that Diamond offers a level of comfort unmatched by anyone else on the course.
How Much the Caddie Earns
Caddies are typically compensated through a combination of base salary and a percentage of tournament winnings. For major victories, that share usually falls between 8% and 10%.
With McIlroy earning approximately $4.5 million for his Masters win, Diamond’s cut is estimated to be between $360,000 and $420,000 for the week.
Reports also suggest that Diamond earned around $2 million across 2025 from similar arrangements, reflecting the financial upside of working alongside a consistently successful player.
In elite golf, the caddie’s role extends far beyond carrying clubs—and at the highest level, the rewards reflect that.