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Wells Fargo Championship, Quail Hollow, Charlotte, NC: 6-9 May 2021
McIlroy credits his caddy, Harry Diamond, and coaches
"This is Harry and my sixth win together, and it's probably been our best one." This win is "even better" than the 2018 win at Bay Hill, "just because Harry's been there every step of the way". "Every step" includes "the tough parts...over the last few months".
From the Belfast Telegraph:
Stepping onto the 18th tee on Sunday evening with a two shot lead, success seemed a formality for the former world number one. That was only until his tee-shot hooked left towards a stream on the tough Quail Hollow finishing hole. Managing to stay out of the water, it was nonetheless a tough situation with the ball inside the hazard. Initially considering a chip out, McIlroy instead took a penalty drop before finding the green with his third and completing the necessary two-putt for victory.
Afterwards, [McIlroy] revealed just what a significant role Diamond played in the decision-making process under intense pressure with heart rates ‘probably in the 140s at some point’.
“Harry was awesome out there today, especially that decision on the last,” reflected McIlroy. “I was ready to get in there and try to play that with a lob wedge and he was sort of like, ‘Let's take a step back, let's think about this, where's the best place you're hitting your third from.’
"So he sort of calmed me down, slowed me down a little bit..." Read more
From BBC Sport:
McIlroy also revealed he has been working with renowned mind guru Dr Bob Rotella and this was his first win since teaming up with swing coach Pete Cowen before last month's Masters.
They worked together on the weekend before the Wells Fargo Championship, which McIlroy has now won for a third time. He is understandably pleased that such a positive result has come so quickly.
"This is the first real test that I've had since working with Pete and sort of doing some different stuff," the 32-year-old champion said.
"And for it to pretty much hold together all afternoon, first time of asking, I'm excited about that." Read more
From the Irish Times:
In various acknowledgements, his long-time coach Michael Bannon, his newest addition to the coaching ticket Pete Cowen and renowned sports psychologist Dr Bob Rotella were given credit for their work in getting McIlroy back to winning ways.
Yet, it was the man who treads the fairways alongside him and carries the load, physically as well as mentally, who was rightfully recognised. This was the sixth win dating back to 2018 that McIlroy claimed with Harry Diamond as caddie and, while the personal connection of friendship has always been apparent, it was the professional bond – with the player actually listening to the advice offered on the 18th hole and which led to the penalty drop rather than an over-ambitious rescue shot – that proved the winning of the championship.
“Harry was awesome out there, especially that decision on the last..." Read more
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