Im a blow in from Holywood!Ahhh, another forumer from my hometown
The Masters 2025
- Thread starter Mel Smooth
- Start date
Fore Right
Well-known member
A Masters for the ages --- Fabulous Stuff 
Swango1980
Well-known member
As to regards Rory's caddy Harry, I think it is fine to have a respectful debate on how good, or otherwise he is as a caddy. A respectful debate, of course, and being on a golf forum it is a good place for it. If one is willing to admit caddies are important, then inevitably there will be better ones and not so good ones.
First thing I'll say is that I'm not just delighted for Rory, but also Harry. As I said the other day, to finally get a Major as a caddy will be huge for him as well. I wouldn't even be critical of him as his ability as a caddy (as I see it), because a lot of what he does is probably guided by Rory himself. If Rory wanted a therapist and a technical caddy with him for every shot, perhaps Harry would then step up to that requirement. So, he probably just acts the way his boss wants him to act.
But, I believe if Rory did seek that sort of support from a caddy, like many of the top players, then there is a good chance last night wouldn't have been as entertaining. Rose was brilliant yesterday, but over the 4 days Rory was magnificent so often, and was absolutely miles better than every single player in the field. A caddy won't eliminate all drop shots obviously, but if Rory had just eliminated some of those unforced errors by talking through the shot more, or felt more part of a team and helped reduced those nerves at times, I think he could have won that by at least a handful of shots. At times he looked absolutely alone and lost, but when he did he would then show his genius.
However, the great thing for me is that I think McIlroy could go the rest of his career, not win another Major, and it wouldn't be a disaster. The Masters was the monkey on his back, and he has finally got rid of that nightmare. Therefore, I think he will go into every other Major much more relaxed now, because he'll never be under as much pressure as he has been going into the first Major every single year for the last 11-14 years. Regardless of how good Harry is as a caddy, or how little McIlroy wants from his caddy, last night's win means that he could well be even stronger in future Majors because so much of that stress will now be gone.
First thing I'll say is that I'm not just delighted for Rory, but also Harry. As I said the other day, to finally get a Major as a caddy will be huge for him as well. I wouldn't even be critical of him as his ability as a caddy (as I see it), because a lot of what he does is probably guided by Rory himself. If Rory wanted a therapist and a technical caddy with him for every shot, perhaps Harry would then step up to that requirement. So, he probably just acts the way his boss wants him to act.
But, I believe if Rory did seek that sort of support from a caddy, like many of the top players, then there is a good chance last night wouldn't have been as entertaining. Rose was brilliant yesterday, but over the 4 days Rory was magnificent so often, and was absolutely miles better than every single player in the field. A caddy won't eliminate all drop shots obviously, but if Rory had just eliminated some of those unforced errors by talking through the shot more, or felt more part of a team and helped reduced those nerves at times, I think he could have won that by at least a handful of shots. At times he looked absolutely alone and lost, but when he did he would then show his genius.
However, the great thing for me is that I think McIlroy could go the rest of his career, not win another Major, and it wouldn't be a disaster. The Masters was the monkey on his back, and he has finally got rid of that nightmare. Therefore, I think he will go into every other Major much more relaxed now, because he'll never be under as much pressure as he has been going into the first Major every single year for the last 11-14 years. Regardless of how good Harry is as a caddy, or how little McIlroy wants from his caddy, last night's win means that he could well be even stronger in future Majors because so much of that stress will now be gone.
Swango1980
Well-known member
I started my golf at Bangor Golf Club (my grandparents being lifetime members there). Norman V Drew was pro there at the time, but I believe Michael Bannon was there by the time I moved to England in 2005. So, at the time I wouldn't really have been aware of the genius golfer he would soon reveal to the world. As he was still at Bangor Golf Club until about 10 years ago or so, my grandparents would talk of days they'd finish their morning round, and watch McIlroy hitting 5 irons up the practice hole (. Not only hitting it further than most scratch golfers hit their driver, but drawing and fading at will, and never being more than about 10/15 foot from the pin.Im a blow in from Holywood!
bobmac
Major Champion
I loved how, when Rory sunk the winning putt and sank to his knees, everyone left him alone and let him have his moment, even his caddy waited about 20 seconds before McIlroy's bear hug.
I wonder what happened to the winning ball?
I wonder what happened to the winning ball?
Was in Bangor GC for 16 years, moved over covid period. Last time I was in they still had Rorys Titleist MBs minus the 7iron from his US Open win at Congressional iirc and also the Jack Nicklaus cheque made out to Garth McGimpsey when he beat Jack in the practice round of the 86 Masters where Jack won, some decent memorabilia in that cabinet!
4LEX
Well-known member
Had £20 on him at 40/1 before the final round and a cash in of £240ish at one point. His missed some great chances of putting real pressure on before falling apart towards the end.
Arthur Wedge
Well-known member
Shows the measure of the man
"I just said, listen, this is a historic moment in golf, isn't it, someone who achieves the career Grand Slam," Rose explained.
"I said it was pretty cool to be able to share that moment with him. Obviously, I wanted to be the bad guy today, but still, it's a momentous occasion for the game of golf."
Not a bad two Masters showing though so far. He definitely has the game and a bit more experience and he'll win there for sure
Swango1980
Well-known member
I had £5 e/w on Max Homa at 140/1. Got £72.50 back from that
Red devil
Well-known member
That my friends is a gentleman. What golf should be all about.
Orikoru
Tour Winner
Exactly why I wanted him to win rather than Rory. Polar opposite personalities. Rosey has to be the nicest guy in golf.
JayB
Newbie
Wow, that was a tough watch.
Fair play to Rory, can't imagine the amount of pressure he was under every year, I really wouldn't be suprised if he won it again in 12 months.
Also what a final round from JR and such a shame he had to lose on a play off.
Fair play to Rory, can't imagine the amount of pressure he was under every year, I really wouldn't be suprised if he won it again in 12 months.
Also what a final round from JR and such a shame he had to lose on a play off.
TigerTime
Well-known member
He did it.
The haters are spewing.
The haters are spewing.
Golfmmad
Tour Winner
Don't know how to underline part of your post but the bit about Rory seeming to be alone and lost. Have to disagree with that bit. As I mentioned in an earlier post, we don't know what and when things are said between them. I think Harry knows too well when to stand back and let Rory do what he has to do. I mean, that chip on the 13th,so unexpected by everybody that he put it in the water. Impossible for Harry or any other caddy to influence that.
Otherwise agree with everything else in your post.
3 jabber
Well-known member
Not often you get 3 winners in 1 event. Rory, Rose and golf
Swango1980
Well-known member
Do last year's winner's ever say anything during that part of the Presentation ceremony? From memory, they always seem to sit there like a spare part, and wait to put the jacket on the latest winner. Always feels a bit awkward to me, especially if last years winner didn't make the cut and had to hang around, or was in contention and gutted they didn't win it again.
SteveW86
Head Pro
The whole Butler cabin thing is cringe
Beezerk
Money List Winner
I love the Masters it’s probably my favourite major but the Butler Cabin thing is just a really uncomfortable watch, I bet the players can’t wait to get out of the place
TigerTime
Well-known member
Did Bryson hang around to congratulate Rory?
