British Open Update: I've
heard from some folks that my article may be a bit harsh, especially after
Tiger's win at the British Open. OK, I concede "stank" may have been an
extreme adjective. But my point still stands about the instability of his
swing since he's been working with Hank. Tiger won the British Open in spite
of his swing flaws because his father taught him how to win. Too many people
in this game don't know the difference between a swinger and a player. Tiger
is a player, which means he knows how to get the ball in the hole regardless
of any swing struggles he's having. He's that good. Saying that, you'll
notice Tiger only hit his driver once during the tournament. Whether it was
a part of his strategy or not, there still is a problem with his swing --
and many others have observed this. Remember: This is just my opinion. The
strongest man I've ever known is my grandfather, and he said, "Don't be
afraid to say what you feel, but have the guts to stand up and fight if you
have to fight."
First,
I’d like to pay my respects to the passing of Earl Woods. I’ve never met the
man, but game recognizes game, and old school brother, you truly will be
missed.
Now to
the issue: I have to comment on Tiger’s instructor, Hank Haney, who has been
working with Tiger for a couple of years. I’ve studied Tiger’s golf swing
from the time he first entered the golf scene, and if you think his swing is
anywhere close to what it was in 2000, you’re kidding yourself.
Since
Tiger’s been working with Hank, I’ve noticed many breakdowns in his golf
swing during impact and an inability to control the clubhead. He’s been
hitting many bad golf shots, which you don’t expect to see from the world’s
best golfer.
I
believe his unbalanced game is a direct result of the instruction he’s
receiving. It may sound harsh, but I have to say: “Sorry, Hank. You’ve been
handed the work order for a Rolls Royce, but you’re only certified to work
on Toyotas.”
For
example, take Tiger’s game in the recent Cialis Western Open. On the Par 5,
15th hole on Sunday, he’s 205 yards to the flagstick, which
calls for a sweet little fade and no more than a 5 or 6 iron in hand. He’s
only two shots behind with a great chance to make eagle. He hits a skank.
I’ve
played with a lot of good golfers, and the best don’t hit shots like
that unless there’s a major problem. Skanks are like a cancer; you never
know when they could come back.
If
there is one thing I’ve learned about the game of golf, you can be so close
but yet so far away. Unless you change the path you’re on, your game will
always just be close. For more than a year, Tiger’s been saying, “I’m
close.” He needs to change his path.
I
don’t know what happened between Tiger and his former instructor, the
legendary Butch Harmon, but sometimes you have to put pride aside. Consider
the history of the Harmon family: They grew up around some of the greatest
golfers -- Hogan, Nelson, Snead. On top of that, Butch Harmon's father was a
Master's champion who also taught golfers to become major champions
themselves.
Saying that,
a man has a right to make his own decisions. But it
seems to me Tiger has taken a step down. I know
I’m not the only one who thinks Tiger needs to go back home, where he
learned to take his game to the next level.
This
is just my two cents worth.