Who's Tiger Woods Next Swing Coach?

After an MRI on Wednesday in Orlando, Florida, it was determined that golf legend Tiger Woods has an inflamed facet joint in his neck. When the facet joints are inflamed, it causes pain in the affected area as well as headaches and difficulty rotating the head. Physical therapy, including soft-tissue massage, rest and anti-inflammatory medicine will be used to treat the injury.

"I want to thank everyone for their caring and concern, I now need to take care of this condition and will return to playing golf when I'm physically able." Tiger Woods said. 

 

The prognosis for Tiger Woods is a full recovery, although a return date to competitive golf is contingent on how quickly the condition heals. The layoff is not expected to be extensive but can vary. Healing his neck isn't the only problem Tiger Woods faces. After his series of pop-ups and minimalist drives at The Players Championship he also needs someone to patch his swing back together.

With Hank Haney having resigned as Tiger Woods' swing coach the New York Times suggests the frontrunner may be little-known Sean Foley, who is based in Orlando, near Tiger Woods' home. Hank Haney started working with Tiger Woods in 2004, and they combined to win six major championships together. 

 

Sean Foley coaches two young PGA Tour players who are friendly with Tiger Woods, Sean O'Hair and Hunter Mahan. Sean Foley also drew attention when he followed those two pupils as they played a practice round with Woods at the TPC.

Rumors are already flying around PGA Tour locker rooms -- not to mention the blogosphere -- that Foley is next in line to become Tiger Woods' main man. Currently the coach for Hunter Mahan and Sean O'Hair, who is considered a friend of Tiger's, Foley issued a statement last week in rebuttal: "I have not talked to Tiger about coaching in any form whatsoever." 

 

Also possibly in the mix is Billy Harmon, which would make for a good story. Billy's brother Butch is Tiger's former coach, but moved on to Phil Mickelson after an unhappy split with Woods. Billy Harmon is said to be funny and a quipster, and who wouldn't like to see a little joy return to Tiger Woods' game?

Tiger Woods has transformed golf with a combination of power, touch and tenacious resolve. His astonishing success, often accompanied by his signature fist pump after holing clutch shots, has even placed him on many people's short list of greatest American athletes, alongside figures like Babe Ruth and Michael Jordan. 

 

Tiger Woods is thanking Hank Haney for his six years as swing coach. He is not saying, however, who his next coach might be. Hank Haney said in a statement on his website Monday night that he has resigned. Tiger Woods posted a short comment on his website Tuesday that they have agreed Haney will no longer work with him.

He calls Hank Haney an outstanding teacher who has helped him and a great friend. He says their friendship will not change. Tiger Woods missed the cut at Quail Hollow and withdrew in the final round of The Players Championship with a sore neck. It was the first time he played consecutive tournaments without earning official money.