Woods to Ditch Haney/Williams?

[iacas]

From

this article :

One thing Woods won't stand for is losing, and he looked furious after his second bogey-bogey finish on Saturday at Augusta, marching to the range to brood while refusing to talk to swing coach Hank Haney or caddie Steve Williams. Perhaps Woods thought Williams had pushed a bad club, or Haney had helped build a flawed swing. Woods has split with coaches (Harmon) and caddies (Fluff Cowan) who helped him win majors on his rise to number one, and seems to embrace big, scary changes every four or five years in his relentless desire to improve. If Woods gives another lackluster showing this week and again treats Haney and Williams like luckless autograph hounds, rumors will fly.

I think we're only one major away. Granted, he's done after playing really well in the past, but this swing has only really been around for a year and a half. He only won the two majors last year and two in 2005, so let's not rush things along here. I think he's comfortable and still improving with Haney, and I don't think there's another caddie out there for him, to be honest. Pure poppycock, the quote above, I think.

What are your thoughts?

[jb1982]

Wow!! Hadn't seen that article.

Before the Masters, everyone was talking about how Tiger is dominating the game again and already giving him the Grand Slam. He sprays the ball around the course for a couple rounds and here comes the media with their microscope to try to make an issue out of nothing. Over the past 6 months he has been completely dominant! I don't see him getting rid of Hank or Stevie anytime soon. I do, however see him trouncing the field at the Wachovia this weekend!! (I'm sure that'll be quoted on Monday if he struggles) lol

[Ogg]

I don't think this will happen any time soon. I think trust with Tiger is a very valuable thing and he is not going to upset the cart especially considering the family additions coming his way this year.

[Cleveland Gunmetal]

Good article, interesting topic but I think it's a reach.

[NM Golf]

Haney, well maybe but doubtful. I think he is very close with Stevie, a working friendship I would say. Anyway I think Steve is more than a caddie and from some of the things I have read his duties include things that your average everyday caddie doesn't normally do. So I have to agree with Erik.

[J.P.]

No way he's leaving Haney, and Stevie is part of his family . . .

Who does he go to? Leadbetter? Jim Mclean? Kostis? Certainly not back to Harmon now. I'm not sure there's a coach left for Tiger.

No, I think the article has done what it's intended to do. Stimulate some talk.

[milesdowsett]

Tiger wouldn't blame a bad performance on anyone but himself - he's the one swinging the club. Harmon and Williams aid him, offer advice no more no less.

[Cleveland Gunmetal]

No way he's leaving Haney, and Stevie is part of his family . . .

He could go to Rick Smith

That would be funny. But nah, I don't think he's leaving either of them.

[golfchief]

Trying to guess what tiger is going to do is just that, a guess. After watching tiger for ten years we all know when he's ready for us to know what he changes he'll say. He never says I think I might do this or that.

[allin]

Trying to guess what tiger is going to do is just that, a guess. After watching tiger for ten years we all know when he's ready for us to know what he changes he'll say. He never says I think I might do this or that.

I agree he operates by his own expectations and judgements. I believe he is almost more likely to switch when he is paying well, seeking to find another level. Losing your father one year, becoming a father the next, I would think that maintaining continuity in your team when dealing with new off course responsibilities so that extra time is not spent on practice and making changes.

[putterboy]

Can't see him leaving Williams.....as others said...he's more than a caddie to Tiger. The only way he'll leave either is if he has a personal falling out with them. He did his homework prior to choosing them.

[muskegman]

I don't see him jettisoning Williams anytime soon. I'd be surprised if Steve isn't on the bag up to Tiger's retirement. Haney on the other hand... not secure. Having said that, I don't see Tiger dumping Haney for another year. Earliest the end of the 2007 season. Tiger still believes in what they're working on.

[PalmIII]

They need a story, so they basically are making wild assertions.

Basically, throwing something against a wall to see if it sticks because professional golf this season has not been as exciting as in years past.

[CG031]

Why would he?! He's had good success under 'em!