Tiger Woods, The 152nd Open (Image via Getty)
Tiger Woods was under the guidance of Hank Haney from 2004 to 2010. Known for contributing to the legend’s great success, the ex-coach cetrainly brings a unique perspective into the game and regularly takes to social media to express his views.
This week, Haney took to his 146.8 thousand followers on X to take a subtle dig at Rory McIlroy, who has been struggling with his swing lately. The Irishman was seen at the range prior to the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, practicing a drill to help him work on the position of his clubhead in his takeaway and downswing while maintaining good wrist positions.
Woods’ former coach saw this as an opportunity to say:
“Much better, now just fix your head position at impact and you will win 7 times next year @McIlroyRory.”
Tiger Woods set the PGA Tour record for the longest consectuive win streak of 7 straight victories following a win at the 2007 Buick Invitational. As McIlroy has been facing a decade-long drought without a Major victory, Haney saw his dedication to improvement as an opportunity to remind the Irishman of his shortcomings.
Haney has gotten into multiple battles with McIlroy over the past few years. When the Olympian missed winning the 2024 US Open by one stroke, Haney was the first to blame his caddie for the loss. McIlroy came out to defend his caddie, Harry Diamond, and call out Woods’ ex-coach for his conduct.
Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s TGL set to begin in January 2025
The Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy founded TMRW Sports is set to launch the innovative TGL league in January 2025. The virtual golf league with six teams comprising the world’s best players will be hosted at the multi-million dollar SoFi Center.
Each team will take on another five times in a round-robin format. Following the conclusion of the official season, the teams will go head-to-head in a single match elimination to earn a spot in the finals. The first match will take place between the New York Golf Club and the Bay Golf Club on Tuesday (Jan. 7) at 9:00 pm EST. Woods’ Jupiter Links Golf Club will play against Los Angeles Golf Club the next week.
Here’s a look at the teams representing six different cities:
Atlanta Drive GC
- Lucas Glover
- Patrick Cantlay
- Justin Thomas
- Billy Horschel
Boston Common Golf
- Keegan Bradley
- Rory McIlroy
- Hideki Matsuyama
- Adam Scott
Jupiter Links Golf Club
- Tom Kim
- Tiger Woods
- Max Homa
- Kevin Kisner
Los Angeles Golf Club
- Sahith Theegala
- Tommy Fleetwood
- Collin Morikawa
- Justin Rose
New York Golf Club
- Matt Fitzpatrick
- Rickie Fowler
- Xander Schauffele
- Cameron Young
The Bay Golf Club
- Min Woo Lee
- Wyndham Clark
- Ludvig Aberg
- Shane Lowry
