CARY, North Carolina: Rory McIlroy has sacked his long-time caddie JP Fitzgerald, a source familiar with the matter said on Sunday, ending a partnership that took the Northern Irishman to four major titles and the top of the world rankings.
McIlroy will have a new caddie on his bag at the World Golf Championships Bridgestone Invitational this week after ending his nine-year relationship with his fellow Irishman, the source said. Phil Mickelson parted ways with his caddie Jim ‘Bones’ Mackay earlier this month after a 25-year partnership that netted the American five Major titles.
Fitzgerald’s sacking, which McIlroy is expected to confirm on his arrival at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio, comes barely a week after he publicly thanked his bagman for jolting him into gear when he made a poor start to the British Open. McIlroy, who won his last Major at the 2014 US PGA Championship, employed Fitzgerald in 2008 shortly after turning professional. “He has taken me from 200 in the world to major champion,” McIlroy said of Fitzgerald in 2011.
Forbes estimated that Fitzgerald earned $1.65 million from his cut of McIlroy’s prize money over the 12 months to June this year. — Reuters
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