It’s no secret that Rory McIlroy hasn’t won a major in a decade. On Sunday, the Northern Irishman had his best chance in recent memory to finally got over the hump, but missed two putts inside five feet, including a 2’6″ putt, which cost him the U.S. Open.

While speaking on The Chipping Forecast podcast, DP World Tour player Eddie Pepperell said he believes McIlroy needs a new caddie.

“He looked so comfortable and in control and he just needed to hit it to the front part of that green on 15. And I really think he would have walked away with that trophy. That was an inexplicable club decision on 15 and possibly the last too.”

Harry Diamond, a longtime McIlroy friend, has been on his bag since 2017.

Pepperell said that McIlroy’s former caddie, JP Fitzgerald, would be a wise choice to replace Diamond.

“I just think Rory needs somebody who’s capable, like JP (Fitzgerald) probably used to be able to do and help him get across that line.”

Eddie added that if Rory were to win at Pinehurst, a change wouldn’t have been necessary.

“I wouldn’t have said this If he had won but I think he needs a new caddie. I hate saying that about Harry because I’m sure he’s a lovely guy. And I’m sure he’s a good caddie.

“But today, I felt Rory needed somebody that could pull him through the finish line. Rory should never have lost that golf tournament today.

“And I’m adamant about that. I’m sure if he had a super experienced, strong caddie, he would have just pulled him through.

“And I think that that’s the thing that’s holding him back in majors. I could be wrong, but that’s what I think and a bogey on 15 was just emblematic.”

On Monday, McIlroy put out a statement saying he’s going to take the next few weeks off and will skip this week’s Travelers Championship, which is a Signature Event.

pic.twitter.com/fD9NvqFXav

— Rory McIlroy (@McIlroyRory) June 17, 2024

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Joe Pompliano, who is a sports and business investor at Pomp Investments, took to X to share just how popular Bryson DeChambeau is after his win at the U.S. Open.

Bryson DeChambeau’s last 24 hours:

• Google search interest up +250%
• The Stitch x Crushers collab sells out
• Gained 25,000 Twitter followers
• Gained 25,000 YouTube subscribers
• Gained 100,000 Instagram followers
• Appeared on the Today show this AM

Not bad, not bad. pic.twitter.com/wwUH006wd1

— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) June 17, 2024

“Bryson DeChambeau’s last 24 hours:

• Google search interest up +250%
• The Stitch x Crushers collab sells out
• Gained 25,000 Twitter followers
• Gained 25,000 YouTube subscribers
• Gained 100,000 Instagram followers
• Appeared on the Today show this AM”

I can also add that DeChambeau’s New Era hat, which has been sold out since the day it was released, was briefly back in stock on Monday. It proceeded to sell out once again in less than an hour.”

Like it or not, Bryson DeChambeau is the biggest star in professional golf.

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Following his heartbreaking loss at the U.S. Open on Sunday, Rory McIlroy came under fire by some for skipping media duties and leaving the premises promptly after Bryson DeChambeau holed the winning putt.

No Laying Up’s Tron Carter called it a “chickens**t move” that left a “bad taste,” while Dan Patrick stated on his show: “He should’ve been accessible yesterday. Yes it is tough, but you’re the face of the PGA Tour, you needed to meet with the media. Stay and congratulate Bryson DeChambeau.”

On Monday evening, 24 hours after the tough defeat, McIlroy released a statement via social media where he congratulated Bryson, addressed his two key missed putts and revealed that he’d be taking a few weeks away from the game.

McIlroy will once again go in search of his 5th major next month at Royal Troon.

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