Rory McIlroy won the 2014 PGA Championship alongside caddie JP Fitzgerald(Image: Getty Images)
Rory McIlroy has not spoken to JP Fitzgerald since the duo won four majors together while the Northern Irishman became world No. 1.
McIlroy and Fitzgerald won four majors together as the PGA Tour star became the biggest thing in golf not named Tiger Woods. However, the two decided to go their separate ways as McIlroy’s major drought began to linger and extend.
After getting fired as McIlroy’s caddie in the summer of 2017 following a drought of nearly three years that would surpass a decade before his epic Masters triumph, Fitzgerald took two years off. He seemed to need time to process, suggesting the decision hit him hard.
On Sunday, Fitzgerald revealed that he has not spoken to McIlroy since their split. The duo were once close friends as they worked and achieved great success together.
“At the end of the day, I went away to collect my thoughts and recharge my batteries,” Fitzgerald told The Daily Mail. “It was obvious that I needed the break.
“But I’ve learned from every player with whom I’ve worked, and Rory is no different to others like Ernie Els in that regard. I’m appreciative of the fact they’ve all helped me to get better as a caddie.”
The timing of their split was surprising. In their last event together, at the Open at Royal Birkdale, McIlroy publicly praised Fitzgerald.
After just five holes, the Northern Irishman was four-over par through five holes. On the sixth, Fitzgerald took his player to the side and lambasted his performance.
He lost his temper and declared: “You’re Rory f—— McIlroy, what are you doing?”
Rory McIlroy and JP Fitzgerald eventually split in 2017(Image: Getty Images)
McIlroy recovered well and eventually finished fourth. He acknowledged the value of Fitzgerald’s pep talk, but decided to move on from his caddie after the tournament, regardless.
As it turned out, McIlroy’s 2014 PGA Championship win was his last major triumph with Fitzgerald. The 35-year-old had taken a week off after his Open victory but maintained his electric form, securing a dramatic win at Valhalla following a two-hour weather delay.
These days, McIlroy is looking to return to his dominant former self – when he was with Fitzgerald – after finally being unburdened by the pressures of the career grand slam following his Masters triumph. McIlroy will be desperate to add another title to his resume when he tees off at the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Fitzgerald is still caddying. He teamed up with explosive young American Matt Wolff in June, but their union lasted just two tournaments.
Fitzgerald then linked up with little-known Frenchman Victor Perez. In their fourth tournament together, Perez secured his first European Tour victory by winning the Dunhill Links Championship.
