Acclaimed swing coach Hank Haney is losing the battle to solve the unsightly hitch in Charles Barkley’s get along. Much more is at stake for Haney in his efforts to solve the swing problems of Tiger Woods.
After Woods failed to close the deal in the Players Championship — his third straight Sunday fade — some speculated that Woods needs a new coach to go along with his new left knee.
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“I think that would be a mistake,” said Steve Bosdosh, teaching pro at Four Streams. “I think Tiger just needs time to get his arms and the lower part of his body synchronized. He’s been away from the game for a long time. His mechanics are fine. It’s his timing and rhythm that are off.”
According to witnesses, Woods and Haney had heated words — most of them spoken by Woods — last month on the practice tee at the Masters.
The problem is Woods’ driver. He ranks No. 142 in driving accuracy, finding the fairway with just 56.8 percent of his tee shots. Some of Woods’ pull hooks, deep into the trees at Augusta, Quail Hollow and the TPC at Sawgrass, have triggered Woods’ fiery temper. Most surprisingly has been his slumping body language.
“We know what it is. It’s just a matter of me doing it,” said Woods Sunday night after his final-round 73. “It’s not that bad.’’
One thing is for sure: Haney isn’t talking. Loose lips cost Butch Harmon his job with Woods, even though Harmon had guided his pupil to the best stretch in major championship history — seven victories in 11 majors from 1999-2002.
When Haney took over, he helped cure Woods’ tendency to hook. After a tough transition year, Woods won six of 13 majors, culminated by last June’s U.S. Open victory.
But does Woods need to hear another voice? Bosdosh says no.
“We as teachers get too much credit when our students do well and too much blame when they don’t do as well,” said Bosdosh. “Look, Tiger’s been in the top 10 every week. He’s not that far away. He just needs time to get his timing back.”