Hank Haney: Relationship with Tiger was 'always dysfunctional'
Jun 29, 2010, 5:15 PM EDT
Cheap shots or bon mots? One could consider Hank Haney’s latest revelations about Tiger Woods as both, I suppose. Haney, who resigned as Woods’ swing coach on May 10, nevertheless is still breaking down the golf game — and personality — of the world’s greatest golfer for seemingly anyone who will listen. Haney discussed Woods in an interview with Guy Yocum in the August issue of Golf Digest, in which he said Woods was often uncommunicative, the point that it was hurting their coach-pupil relationship. And Haney also implied that Woods was cheap, which was the most surprising part of the interview for me.
Golf Digest: You felt the onus was on him to call you?
Haney: “Right. I sent him an e-mail on everything I thought he should do and work on. I got no acknowledgement at all, but that wasn’t unusual. Then it got to the point where I didn’t know what he was doing or thinking. Yet the whole time he was telling the media I was still his teacher and that I was going to continue to be his teacher and I was talking to him every night.”
GD: It sounds like it became dysfunctional.
Haney: “It didn’t get dysfunctional; it always was dysfunctional.”
Haney said that following the Masters, he tried to get in touch with Woods, with little success.
Haney: “I talked to him only two times after that. That was his way of blaming me. Maybe I’m reading too much into it; maybe I’m being too sensitive. But when someone doesn’t talk to you…”
GD: Do teachers get too much credit for players’ successes, and too much blame for their failures?
Haney: “I don’t see teachers getting a lot of credit, and that’s fine. Tiger deserves the credit, not me. I didn’t hit the shots; he did. I don’t think I deserved a great deal of credit, but on the other hand I don’t feel I deserved the lion’s share of the blame when he struggled.”
GD: Can you describe other frustrations?
Haney: “Every once in a while I sent him some pretty long e-mails or texts on things I thought he needed to do. I sent one after the 2006 U.S. Open at Winged Foot. Tiger never even acknowledged he got the e-mail. That was just the way he was. He never responded that he even got it. There was one time when Elin told me, “Hey, Tiger got your e-mail, and he really liked it.”
Then, Haney was asked how much Tiger paid him over the six years he was his coach. Although evasive, Haney gave the impression that Woods felt being associated with him was payment in and of itself, to a great degree.
GD: Was Tiger generous with you? Did he express his appreciation to you in unusual ways, such as signing flags for you or dropping you notes?
Haney: “Generosity is relative. It was generous of him to give me the job. I don’t have anything signed by Tiger, no. Not one thing.”
GD: Did Tiger pay you well?
Haney: “I don’t want to answer that. There’s no reason for me to go there.”
GD: “It’s been said that Tiger views any association with him as helping that person out. Do you go along with that?”
Haney: “You said it, I didn’t.”
***
Why is this man smiling? [Golf Digest]
Haney Takes Cheap Shots At ‘Dysfunctional’ Tiger [SportsbyBrooks]
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- g - Jun 29, 2010 at 11:44 PM
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IF HE EVER PLAYS WELL AGAIN, WE ARE ALL VERY SURE YOU’LL BE THERE TO TEAR HIM DOWN SOME MORE.
IF TIGER WOODS WAS JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF, YOU, AND YOU KNOW WHO, WOULD NEVER FIND ANYTHING GOOD TO SAY ABOUT HIM SO LONG AS HIS ASS IS B.L.A.C.K.
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- Jay - Jun 30, 2010 at 12:38 AM
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Everyone knows Tiger behaves like a douche and is full of himself and thinks anyone associated with him should be honored. He probably didn’t pay Haney one penny, Haney is at least classy enough not to say; everyone also knows high tight and cheap this millionaire is. I wish Tiger would just retire so we didn’t have to see his face at the tournaments, he’s ruining the game by being there. There are plenty of up and coming golfers in the field today that probably have more decency and class in the tip of their little finger, as we all know now the type of horrid man Tiger really is. I can’t stomach the guy and I used to be one of his biggest fans. Go away Tiger and NIke get rid of this immoral man. We won’t buy from you until you do.
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- the shark - Jun 30, 2010 at 12:47 AM
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He better be careful how he’s talking about Tiger. Other Golfers are going to say “Hey that golf teacher is talking s**** bout Tiger. Will he talk s*** bout me to too?” Be careful.
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- the shark - Jun 30, 2010 at 12:53 AM
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Poor Hanky. What a matter, your feeling is hurt cus Tiger fired you. I know he wants to say that Tiger didn’t pay him s***. That’s too bad for you Hanky. That’s sad dude. Just move on man. Go teach someone that may pay you. I doubt it anyway. Most of the Golfer pay the same.
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- the shark - Jun 30, 2010 at 1:05 AM
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C’mon Boomer,r u Tiger hating. Poor little Hanky with his red wagon got his feeling hurt cus Tiger fired him. He should of said I’m moving on. It was a time for a change with Tiger anyway and left it on the Golf court. Sad sad sad. Why waste your time 4 this kind of interview.
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- alexpinca - Jun 30, 2010 at 1:13 AM
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It is sad to the this article…it is roughly the same demons that created his divorce situation that created this impression of Tiger as an employer, friend and compatriot.
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- bob - Jun 30, 2010 at 8:11 AM
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Tiger is well known for being cheap! Just ask the clubhouse people where the tournaments are held.He also never leaves a big tip when dining out!Its talked about at all the time.
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- Niran Adams - Jun 30, 2010 at 8:57 AM
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For all those who demand perfection from Tiger, I remember Jesus Christ himself saying ‘Dont call me good teacher, there is no one that is good except God in heaven’. Tiger gamed, most other athletes do same but he flouted the rule: he got caught. Who said Kennedy didnt, but it was Clinton that got caught. Roosevelt’s wife had ahis mistress come to the White house, and what are they all today – sparkling characters but Clinton is blighted by Monica. Let’s not be holier than thou.
We all have character flaws and Tiger wont be the reason you behave badly, he may disappoint you but to wish him bad for the rest of his life… I mean that is base. You are not supposed to worship any body, athlete or whoever but God.
So Help a fallen man rise. If I was that Hank Haney, professionalism wont make me divulge that, thats bad. And if I golf, he wont move near a mile of me. His own character flaw is worse.
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- BBK - Jun 30, 2010 at 9:11 AM
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What breaks me up is the Tiger bashers complaining about Tiger worshipers. He’s a golfer, and who cares what his personal life is? Most of his holier-than-thou detractors are hypocrites who would’ve loved to have his sex life. Both sides need to just realize that he’s a golfer, probably the best that ever lived, and shouldn’t be expected to be the second coming too. I see a lot of predjudice on the negative side too. Blacks just aren’t supposed to be that good, or that respected for it. There are always stories about the famous having feet of clay, and the cheap tales are probably just the result of those who want him to lavish them because he’s rich. BS. Earn it like he did.
As far as Haney goes, he should just realize that he had his glory days and get on with his life. Tiger made him famous and rich.
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- BRUCE - Jun 30, 2010 at 9:22 AM
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LEAVE IT TO PEOPLE LIKE YOU WHO DO NOT HAVE THE CAPACITY TO THINK PAST THE (RACE CARD)NO MATTER WHAT THE TOPIC MIGHT BE.I AM NOT A PERFECT PERSON WITH NO FLAWS.YOU AT LEAST MUST BE ABLE TO LOOK YOURSELF IN THE MIRROR EACH DAY AND RECOGNIZE YOUR NOT PERFECT BUT ARE WILLING TO WORK ON BEING A BETTER HUMAN BEING EACH AND EVERY DAY!!!!!!!!I DO NOT THINK TIGER HAS ANY MIRRORS IN HIS MENTAL HOUSE.I AM NOT WISHING ANY ILL WILL TOWARD TIGER,IT IS NOT ABOUT THAT.JUST TURN YOUR LIFE AROUND AND TRY TO BE BETTER ON AND OFF THE GOLF COURSE AS A PERSON.
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- Allen - Jun 30, 2010 at 9:51 AM
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Dr. Scott replied to comment from StakeX
Man, I could NOT have expressed it better myself!!! This is the most accurate depiction of Woods and the way it is.
I’m sick of all the morons who are so far up Woods’ behind that they will defend him at all costs and no matter how worthless he is as a human being.
No, I wish Tiger Woods all the worst. He deserves it! An ungrateful, arrogant, prima-donna. I’m truly loving every minute of his failures in tournaments when he can’t fist-pump anymore in the faces of his competitors.
It’s like the little boy said to him not so long ago….”You’re not number one anymore Tiger!” Get used to it. You’ve ruined yourself physically and emotionally. You will never aspire to what you once were. You gave it all away and now all you have is your wealth which won’t buy you happiness or peace for the rest of your life.
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So you sign with Doctor and yet “wish Tiger Woods all the worst” because he “deserves” it.
Don’t know what field you are Doctor in, but heaven forbid someone whom you otherwise deems “deserves it” is in medical need of your services.
It reassuring to know that they would die on the table because their life hasn’t otherwise met the threshhold of your standard.
I’m an avid golfer and fan and I actively root for Woods to win when in contention. I am sad for him and his family. Tragedy is just that, tragedy, beit self-inflicted or not. To actively root for destruction of someones life shows more of what you are made of, than what you believe Woods is made of.
You may have a doctorate in a field, but clearly need much more schooling when dealing with the complexity of the mind, will and the body of mankind.
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- Randy - Jun 30, 2010 at 10:20 AM
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Get off your high horse Patrick. Everything Tigers gets he has coming. He opened the door for it all. If he wants to put it behind him and shut everybody up then he needs to show he’s changed and I for one still think he’s an arrogant, self-absorbed a-hole.
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- John - Jun 30, 2010 at 10:28 AM
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This was related to me by a friend and it applies to Tiger Wood’s relationship with people. One day a number of years ago Tiger flew into the Salt Lake City General Aviation terminal in a private jet. He was going to go on a fishing trip. After a young worker unloaded a great number of bags for Woods and placed them in the vehicle, Woods gets into the vehicle as though the bags got there by walking over and loading themselves into the trunk. My friend had to “cattle prod” Woods, admonishing him as “cheap”, to tip the lad for his work. Finally, somewhat chagrinned with his lack of sensitivity, Woods gave in and tipped the young man. I am quite sure that this behavior was emblamatic of Tiger’s personna then and his attitude now…
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- Allen - Jun 30, 2010 at 10:44 AM
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This was related to me by a friend and it applies to Tiger Wood’s relationship with people. One day a number of years ago Tiger flew into the Salt Lake City General Aviation terminal in a private jet. He was going to go on a fishing trip. After a young worker unloaded a great number of bags for Woods and placed them in the vehicle, Woods gets into the vehicle as though the bags got there by walking over and loading themselves into the trunk. My friend had to “cattle prod” Woods, admonishing him as “cheap”, to tip the lad for his work. Finally, somewhat chagrinned with his lack of sensitivity, Woods gave in and tipped the young man. I am quite sure that this behavior was emblamatic of Tiger’s personna then and his attitude now…
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Not so much in defense of Woods as it critic of the story. I always love the undertone that the ‘lad’ was a 5 year who lost both legs from a birth defect and but was working to provide funds to pay the medical bills for his Mother who has been in rehab for years for alcoholism.
The story strikes the same tone with me that have against those who have served in the military and look for certain things to be said of them. Service in the military doesn’t make one a lover of their country nor should they be thanked for their service before any other line is spoken to them. If you want to serve, then serve. But if you serve to be worshiped, you’re not serving others you are serving yourself…and yes, for the record I served in the Army Reserve during the 90′s.
This ‘lad’ had a job at the airport and is paid wages for that job. I don’t anymore ‘tip’ United baggage people as they walk through the terminal for handling my bags..does that make me cheap?
If one wants to give, they will give..but personally when you approach me with calling me ‘cheap’ or the “I served this country…blah blah” you diminish that much more your ‘service’ frankly making it all the more undeserving of a ‘tip’ or compliment.
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- DSW - Jun 30, 2010 at 11:12 AM
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The “cheap” part comes from the Asian mom where the ethic is, “get whatever you can for nothing…” That’s why America has a “tax gap,” because of all the Asian immigrants that don’t believe in paying taxes. I used to go to a nail salon where one of the owners, all Laotian family, big family, immigrated to the U.S. 20 years ago, admitted that they paid “half on W-2 form and half ‘under the table’ to their all-family staff. I was so angry about that, I stopped going to that salon and I had been a client for 20 years.
So, Tiger’s mom is behind the “cheap” ethic. (“Cheap and cheat” is the motto there.)
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- Allen - Jun 30, 2010 at 11:29 AM
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@DSW…so what is the excuse then for all the White immigrants who are charged with tax evasion?
Nice to know our nations tax imbalance lays fully in the lap of asian immigrant nail shop community.
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- etx - Jun 30, 2010 at 11:42 AM
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you were a client for 20 years because you are cheap
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- Suz - Jun 30, 2010 at 12:03 PM
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Come from a golfing family. Grew up watching the likes of Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player & Nick Faldo, among others. Watched with great interest a little boy coming along at his father’s knee. Thought he would be great, and he was. Never have pulled for him as an adult because of his seeming arattitude.
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- Doocon - Jun 30, 2010 at 12:32 PM
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Don’t know the man but he seems to be a pretty classy guy.He doesn’t need to make a name for himself, he already had that before he became Eldrick’s swing coach. I often wonder if really ever needed a coach.Phenoms like him are born with the talent. All that is needed is fine tuning and playing and practicing more is all that is needed Was it all for show? Did he even listen to his advice? I doubt it.
Great story Rick!
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- HappyGilmore - Jun 30, 2010 at 1:21 PM
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As has been explained by others, Hank Haney did not need Tiger to help his career just like Butch Harmon has been doing fine since their split. These are top dog highly paid teachers, they can’t make you do the things they suggest they point out what they see and suggest how to make it better. The golf swing is not a textbook study where you can pass an exam.
As for why Haney is talking now, how many people talk about their employer, in public, while they are still employed? Why some of you are bashing Haney is beyond me. What do you know about him other than being Tigers swing guru? Tiger is one of his clients and just so happens to be his most famous unless you want to count Charles Barkley or Ray Romano.
Sit here and bash Haney as if he were the one that made the tabloids for being an idiot. It is pretty well documented by several people involved that Tiger as a person is scum. So many high profile professionals are. Just wait until Elin can finally open up. Your precious Tiger is going to dig a hole and crawl into it if she is able to air “all” the dirty laundry.
My only connection with Tiger is golf. I have watched on television countless times and have seen him live at Firestone. That is all I care about. When you watch a sport you want to see the best and he was the best. Will he get back to that, time will tell but anything he has done in his personal or professional life has not affected my life in any way except to have another talking point on Monday.
In short, all Hank Haney was to Tiger, an extra set of eyes that can point out those little nuances in your swing that are affecting your shot. He sent his observations via email and it would appear Tiger didn’t have the common courtesy or professionalism to at least acknowledge he received it. It’s business.
For the loser that wrote Haney sounds like a jilted girlfriend, get a real job and correspond with someone that doesn’t write back and see what a pain in the rear that is.
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- Michael Hall - Jun 30, 2010 at 1:27 PM
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And a “tool” is exactly what Tiger found.
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- gail - Jun 30, 2010 at 2:04 PM
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First of all, to ask if Tiger was generous is like asking the President if 400k/year is fair. Butch Harmon now gets $500 for 1/2 hour when he used to make that in a day. Haney got a TV show (albeit pretty bad) from being Tiger’s teacher, so the “endorsement” money is real. Also, although I’m a big fan of Tiger’s golf, he can’t be believed about anything he says concerning his game. He still relies on his dad’s voice about putting, but he can’t reveal what he said? All BS….Stevie made bad decisions at the US Open when Tiger was fanning sand wedge shots and snap hooking 3-woods? This guy always takes ownership when he plays well, and used to take it as well when he played badly. I’d hate to see him trying to get the goo off him by blaming Stevie, Hank, bad decisions, etc…. How about his swing stinks right now, is too flat, and getting stuck? You know the guy that could actually help him that really knows the golf swing? Johnny Miller…..
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- swfldawg - Jun 30, 2010 at 3:39 PM
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Arrogant prima donna, the perfect role for the cheatah !
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- Dave - Jun 30, 2010 at 4:29 PM
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Hank, if you wanted decent compensation from him, you should have provided him with some skin entertainment. Heard his other coach, Loridonna got $10G / night.
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- Great Hope - Jun 30, 2010 at 8:29 PM
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Come on bro’. Woods is about as black as Dick Cheney. Probably because he wanted his personna seen that way. Before he was exposed for what he is, nobody was hatin’ on him because he was black. Golf is about as white as you get and he was their God! You don’t get to play that card now. He’s what all super-powerful people become – egocentric and narcissistic but he wasn’t able to keep it under wraps! (which is amazing if you think about it – dude’s a billionaire – I would have expected a better cover-up) Call it what it is. Has nothing to do with color.
