Rory McIlroy splits from caddie JP Fitzgerald

They enjoyed a brilliantly successful partnership as McIlroy took over from Tiger Woods as the game's dominant force and became world number one.

McIlroy heaped praise on Fitzgerald at this month's Open at Royal Birkdale, saying he had delivered some blunt words after the Holywood player started the tournament with a string of bogeys.

After fighting back to shoot a one-over 71 in the first round, McIlroy told reporters Fitzgerald had done a "great job".

The Open was Fitzgerald's swansong with McIlroy, who flirted with contention in the final round before finishing equal fourth.

Forbes estimated Fitzgerald earned $1.65 million from his cut of McIlroy's prize money over the 12 months to June this year.

Five-times major winner Phil Mickelson parted ways with his caddie Jim 'Bones' Mackay earlier this month after 25 years together.

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