Rory McIlroy is expected to have close friend, Harry Diamond, on his bag for his next two events, but who will take on caddie duties in the long term? WADE PRETORIUS investigates …

McIlroy is expected to answer questions regarding his decision to sack fellow Irishman JP Fitzgerald after nine years and four Majors on Wednesday ahead of the WGC Bridgestone Invitational.

The 28-year-old’s decision to move in a new direction comes weeks after praising Fitzgerald for his role in his Open Championship resurgence.

It’s not the first time McIlroy lept to the defence of his now former caddie – who previously looped for players like Darren Clarke and Paul McGinley.

Following his 2011 Masters implosion, McIlroy hit back at commentator Jay Townsend, who lashed Fitzgerald for his role in the debacle.

‘I’ve got to stand up for my caddie. JP is one of my closest friends, and I’ve had to deal with it for three years and not really say anything and he’s just kept at him and at him. I just had to say something,’ McIlroy said.

‘You know, it’s unfortunate that some people are so opinionated. It started in Switzerland back in 2008. JP has taken me from 200th in the world to major champion and now fourth in the world. I don’t know what it is about Jay or if he has something against JP but some of the criticism that JP takes from him is very unfair.’

Fitzgerald was on the bag for McIlroy’s FedExCup triumph last year and earned $1.o5-million for his work. ‘He deserved it,’ he said. ‘He’s a big part of what we do.’

But it has been three years since the world number four last won a Major and many say the decision to part ways was a long time coming. Now, McIlroy will return to Quail Hollow for the PGA Championship in two weeks – the site of two career victories – but without an experienced caddie by his side.

Who will replace JP Fitzgerald?

On the market:

Jim ‘Bones’ Mackay

One of the most obvious options after Phil Mickelson ended his professional relationship with Mackay in June. The duo spent 25 years together and brought home 5 Majors until the split. Strongly opinionated, ‘Bones’ is many critics for the role.

Jonathan Smart