Criticism of McIlroy makes 'my blood boil' - Lowry

Venue: Royal Troon Dates: Thu 18-Sun 21 July

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Shane Lowry says he will "argue with anyone" who suggests Rory McIlroy's attempts to win a fifth major would be boosted by a change of caddie.

McIlroy won the Open a decade ago this week but, as he arrived at Royal Troon for this year's championship, has not won one of the sport's four biggest prizes since the 2014 USPGA Championship.

The world number two has endured a number of close calls since, perhaps most painfully at the US Open last month where he bogeyed three of the last four holes to lose the title to American Bryson DeChambeau by a single stroke.

In the aftermath of that collapse, the Northern Irishman's caddie and childhood friend Harry Diamond was criticised for club selection over the closing stretch, something Lowry believes is the product of ignorance as to what "goes on week in, week out" on the PGA Tour.

"It makes my blood boil, to be honest," the Irishman told BBC Sport NI.

"They don't see how hard Harry works and how good he is for Rory.

"Just because he's not standing in the middle of the tee box like other caddies who want to be seen and heard doesn't mean that his voice isn't heard by Rory.

"When you get to tournaments, he's always there before Rory, he's always walking the course. He works harder than any of the caddies out here."

Lowry still believes the 35-year-old McIlroy will increase his major tally, adding that it will be "all the sweeter" for the criticism he and Diamond have been subjected to in recent times.

"He's the best caddie for Rory and I'll argue that with anyone who wants to argue it with me.

"It's tough for him. Northern Ireland and Ireland is a small place. I'm sure it's tough for Harry to go home and deal with all that but he'll be alright.

"That'll make the next one they get together all the sweeter."

Like McIlroy, Lowry will compete in the 152nd Open with his name already etched on to the Claret Jug having won at Royal Portrush in 2019.

The 37-year-old will play his first two rounds this year alongside a pair of fellow one-time major champions in his Ryder Cup team-mate Matthew Fitzpatrick and 2022 Open winner Cameron Smith.

The world number 33 says the thought of winning another major is now "the only thing" that drives him.

"I've been on tour a long time, week on week it can get monotonous," he said.

"What really keeps me going is the big tournaments, the majors and the Ryder Cup.

"That's the reason I get up in the morning to go and practice."

Lowry has three top 10 finishes at the majors since that victory at Royal Portrush, although none have come at The Open.

"I know I have one but obviously I want one more and you want it so badly because you've tasted that success," he added.

"The one thing it does give you, is that I know if I'm there or thereabouts on Sunday, that I have what it takes.

"I don't know if I still have what it takes, but I know I did at a certain stage. Hopefully I can do that again."