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Butch Harmon and Hank Haney know all to well the trials and tribulations that come with being Tiger Woods’ coach. Since then, both men have had strong words to say over the years on working with Tiger, and his personality.

Speaking in the January edition of bunkered (issue 105) in 2011, and other publications, Butch Harmon has this to say on his time spent coaching the 14-time major champion, and on Tiger’s split from Sean Foley.

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Working with Tiger really took me to a whole new level.”

He’s the best player ever to have played golf. There’s never been anyone better. I’ve seen them all, so I should know.”

“”Hank couldn’t take the criticism. He took it to heart.”

He wanted to change certain things with his swing, whilst I was of the opinion that it was fine the way it was. When that happens, there’s only going to be one outcome, isn’t there?”

We had ten great years together and nothing lasts forever in this day and age.”

Butch Harmon speaking in the January edition of bunkered (issue 105) in 2011.

Sean’s had great success. He has nothing to hang his head about. I called him and told him that. I told him he worked his tail for this guy.

Butch Harmon speaking to the Golf Channel on August 25 2014.

No I would not and he’s not going to call and ask. I don’t think he needs a swing coach. If I were advising Tiger I’d tell him, ‘You’re the greatest player that ever lived, just go to the range and hit shots.’”

Butch speaking to Golf Channel on August 25, 2014 on teaming back up with Tiger.

People think Tiger made me successful. No one remembers I took Greg to No.1 in the world, or all the work with Elkington, or Davis Love III. It’s the press. Anything to sensationalise.”

Butch speaking to Golf.com on February 26, 2013.

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Hank Haney resigned as Tiger’s coach in late 2009, and also featured in the January edition of bunkered (issue 105) in 2011. The American has had this to say on working with Woods in issue 105, and later in Golf Digest.

“Teaching Tiger was the opportunity of a lifetime but it wasn’t meant to last forever. Six years was plenty.”

Everyone has their own opinions on things and they’re entitled to it, but no one is entitled to their own facts and, in the last three years that I helped Tiger, he won 45 per cent of his tournaments and was top 85 per cent of the time. Regardless of what people’s opinions are, those are the facts.”

His percentage of wins whilst working with Butch was around 28 per cent; it was around 34 per cent working with me.”

I still read people writing ‘Haney ruined Tiger’s swing’. Oh, did I? He won seven times in 2009. His best finish in 2010 was the last event I was with him.”

Hank Haney speaking in the January edition of bunkered (issue 105) in 2011.

I don’t think he feels things the way most people do. That’s why he doesn’t choke at the end of tournaments. It’s not normal for him to apologie or sign autographs or treat people well. None of that helps him win.”

Hank Haney speaking to Golf Digest on June 6, 2014.

I’m pretty sure he would just blow me off. That’s kind of how he does it. He doesn’t try to be a jerk. He just doesn’t get it. There is a price for greatness.

Hank Haney told Golf Digest on June 6 2014 when asked what would happen if he saw Woods tomorrow.

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