Rory McIlroy has insisted that his partnership with caddie JP Fitzgerald is as strong as ever and the criticism thrown at him is misguided.
McIlroy let slip a four-shot lead by stumbling to a disastrous closing 80 at the Masters in April and Fitzgerald was singled out for his role in the capitulation.
The Dubliner was blamed for his course management but McIlroy has moved to defend him.
"He's been with me through some tough play-off losses. He's been with me through everything," the 22-year-old told the Irish Independent.
"I've a great relationship with JP. He's become one of my closest friends over the past two-and-a-half years. It's a combination that works very well.
"I firmly believe if it ain't broke, don't fix it."
Fitzgerald has worked with McIlroy since 2008.
