Sean Foley tees off on Tiger Woods’ "clueless" critics; Haney fires back
by Emily Kay on Mar 9, 2011 10:31 AM EST
Email
Print
Lee Trevino may be a Hall of Fame golfer but it appears his recent poke at Tiger Woods’ swing guru was one too many for Sean Foley, who last weekend ripped his critics as clueless.
"They don’t know the truth," Foley told Golf Canada without speaking directly to Trevino’s comments. "They don’t even have a clue. They just wait until [Woods] hits one to the right, then [replay it in slow motion]....But he might not have committed to the club. He might not have trusted where the wind is, and so on."
Foley, who signed on as Woods’ swing coach last summer, did not single Trevino out as he did others in the golf punditry. It’s not difficult, however, to trace the immediate cause of Foley’s disgruntlement back to the 71-year-old Champions Tour player’s suggestion that Woods dump his teacher.
"He's got to look at the film from when he started winning all those tournaments and go right back to what he was doing and get rid of all these people," said Trevino. Woods will lift more trophies once he "gets his mindset straight and quits messing with all these instructors."
After months of bad reviews as his famed pupil struggles to regain his winning form, a defensive-sounding Foley came out swinging. In addition to lashing out at his detractors, Foley said Woods’ psyche and scuffling short game were more to blame for his problems than the overhaul of his swing.
An objective look at Woods’ stats for the young season revealed a golfer ranked 112th in putts per round and obviously struggling to put the ball in the hole. He may be 22nd in driving distance, but it seemed rather self-serving for Foley to dismiss Woods’ 185th ranking in driving accuracy and 79th spot in greens in regulation.
Foley reserved special scorn for former golfers Johnny Miller of NBC and Golf Channel’s Brandel Chamblee, saying the two opinionated analysts must have short memories.
"When did Brandel Chamblee and Johnny Miller and guys like that forget how hard golf is when you have conflict and you don’t have clarity?" Foley asked. "Brandel Chamblee made 180 out of 398 cuts on the PGA Tour. Like, when did this become so easy for him? That’s like 43 per cent. You’re talking about a guy [Woods] who’s missed six cuts in his life. It’s just sensational. That’s what they do."
Sean Foley is a regular during Tiger Woods' practice rounds (Photo: Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
Foley also lashed out at Chamblee in a March 8 Sports Illustrated/Golf.com interview. The instructor told SI that Chamblee was wrong when he observed that Woods compressed the ball more to hit it on a lower trajectory.
"I wasn’t aware that compressing the ball more made the ball go lower," said Foley, who explained frontal planes, side tilts, and attack angles. "People need to get their facts right. This is science, not opinion."
Foley, by the way, told Golf Canada that Woods, as the golfer himself is wont to say, is making progress -- although perhaps not the type that others expect. "On a day-to-day basis, I see little minimal growth points," Foley said. "We just keep working at it and working at it. He’s almost going to have to win by 10 shots" to please his belittlers.
As for those who believe Woods will never win another major title, Foley recommended they do the math.
"How fast we forget that this guy won 14 majors by the age of 34," he said to SI’s Farrell Evans. "If he plays until he's 50, he's got 15 more years and 60 majors left....One year of poor play and people forget he won four in a row. If he played in majors until he was 46, when Jack won his last, he would still have 48 more attempts at winning five."
And then there was Woods’ former coach, Hank Haney, who did not escape Foley’s wide-ranging critique. "There was nothing about what he was doing in his previous swing that made any sense to me," he told Evans.
Foley also lambasted Haney for an "unprofessional" Golf Digest interview last summer in which Woods’ ex-mentor said he believed he never really knew his protegee.
"Hank built most of his career around Tiger," Foley said in SI. "I don't understand how, if you don't get to know the person, how you can teach them."
Haney issued a response via Twitter on Wednesday. "If you want to be entertained go to Golf.com and read Sean Foley's latest version of ripping Hank Haney," he tweeted, referring to himself in the third person, "all i can say is wow."
28 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
UFC 135- HANEY VS FOLEY
Haney and Foley will meet in the octagon:
The Golf Space
http://www.thegolfspace.com
Hooked On Golf Blog
http://www.hookedongolfblog.com
by TheGolfSpace.com on Mar 9, 2011 11:46 AM EST reply actions
Sorry here, all you Tiger die hard fans...I know it's
tough not to have your man out there winning every time he tees it up…But, keep the faith Baby…He will win again….Just not break Jack’s record
Ok, that all said, Lee is spot on…Yes, I’m older than dirt, so my age gives me some credibilituy….Years ago, we didn’t have Swing Experts…except the golfer himself….Mind control experts….They were usaually Doctors that worked at the Mental Hospital for the really, really crazy people….and so on, and so on….Than, one day, someone got the idea…HEY…IF I INSTRUCT OTHERS I CAN MAKE A LIVING OFF THEIR BACKS and never have to play another Toonament…
You could go up and down the range in the old days, and the PLAYERS were helping one another…when they were asked….Ol Chipper is kind of right…SOMETIMES youneed another pair of eyes….hehehe..that’s why some wear glasses…their called 4 eyes…bit of levity there folks…I remember one time Bob Rosberg was asking Gene the Machine to watch his swing and let him know what he saw….That’s the kind of people we had back than….I wonder how much of that we have today….Jist askin mind ya.
As Professionals…when they get to the Big Show and have that card in the wallet…If they don’t know their swing by than, they better go get a day job…Ol Rocko in an Ad for a training aid,,,says “you think you know the golf swing…you don’t have a clue”…he’s talking to the average Golfer folks…not the Pros…Take a look at all the swings…the syrup smooth…the herky Jerky and everything in between…If it can be repeated time after time, and not change with the stress of winning or being in contention….PLAY WITH IT….
All the swing overhauls…Pros now folks…not the hackers…Let’s face facts….It’s not some poor slob with no money living in a Tube…It’s some Millionair who can afford to go a couple of years because he still has the money to buy his groceries and pay the mortgage….and buy gas for that 300,000 car in the garage….Take it for what it is folks….SHOW TIME…..STUB
STUB
There are exceptions, Stub
Faldo had a swing and could have stuck with it. But until he and Leadbetter got together, he might have won a major…but certainly not 6 of them.
Yup, there are exceptions....I was cuz-em-er-ate-ing on the
rule…By and large, the Rule class is bigger than the exception class…stay thirsty my friend…STUB
STUB
Foley's a bit of a loose canon,imo
Have you ever listened to SF ! It’s like he’s speaking another language and TRYING to confuse you. I spent the last 20+ yrs teaching this foolish game,and it’s not that complicated. At the advanced level it is unimaginaeable to concieve that this form of communication is successful. Foley should have been an engineer, not a swing coach. I’m gonna tell ya who the best coach on the planet is,….the ball ! That bit of wisdom from the great British instructor John Jacobs. The ball never lies. Just watch it move through the air and pay attention. Tiger is so mentally eff’d up it’s a wonder he can get the ball airborne. So now SF is getting snippy ? My predeiction,…he’ll be gone by Sept after TW goes majorless in 2011. Butch will never take TW back, but there’s a good ole boy in South Florida that would help TW swing the club naturally, as he used to. Fella named Jimmy Ballard, Former #1 ranked instructor on the planet, and a huge Hogan desciple. Hogan had it right,imo. Flush this Foley bum, and get the best available. Time is running out.
you're still away,...choke on it !
Z.....
Foley is an “enlightened intellectual”, or at least he thinks he is as I heard him say in an interview and you are right…..“another language”……..mostly gooblety goop.
The Saints were the SUPER BOWL CHAMPS for a year...hope I don't have to wait another 44 years for #2....WHO DAT!......:)
Jacobs is a great teacher
Read a few of his writings. the ball does tell all. Leadbetter is technical, but that suited someone like Faldo, who wanted to know why the ball did what it did. He wanted to hit the ball lower to control it in the wind…a contradiction to todays game where it is all through the air. Harrington had to hit the high ball to compete in America and newer courses in Europe. Before, he was a links player.
With Foley, one gets the impression he likes the spotlight, but not the flak that goes with it.
Hey 3..glad you stayed off the Martinis for this one...
Your absolutely right…The Ball Tells All….Hogan used to practice ball flight every day at Shady Oaks…he was on the 5th fairway, that had power lines running accross it…He got pissed if his ball flight did not go between the lines that he wanted it to….Every Pro worth his salt can tell you what he did by the flight of the ball…And right on with Tiger being eff’ed up…It started when he knew more than Butch…when he left, it started going south on him…I think Foley will be gone after the first 2 majors and he hasn’t won or really contended….Hey, I don’t remember his name, but didn’t we have a Pro who wrote book that was from some other planet too?…STUB
STUB
Foley has a bright mind and is probably one of the few instructors the Tiger can learn something from. It doesn’t matter what Tiger is working on just that he’s working toward something — a clear picture of where he wants his swing to go. Tiger admittedly has never hit a shot without a swing thought and it’s worked better than anyone in the game’s history, so commentators should leave him alone in the swing tweaking department.
People are talking like Tiger will never win anything again, but just over one season ago, Tiger went 1, 1, 2, 1, T2, T11, 1, 2 to finish in 2009 (with Haney’s coveted laid-off position that everyone talked trash about).
All that said, Chamblee could beat Foley’s ass around the golf course without the slightest knowledge of frontal planes and side tilts.
http://thegreenblazer.blogspot.com
This ol' argument again ...
Jack won 52 tournaments (12 majors) through age 33. Tiger has won 68 tournaments (14 majors) through age 33, so it’s close but Tiger is ahead. Saying anything else is speculation on what might occur.
Bleacher Report contributer David Paisie said it right:
These rampant Tiger fans insist that short of Tiger dying, being in a plane crash, being ran over by a truck, or falling down a flight of stairs and breaking his neck; he will most certainly break Jack’s record.
The Blazer happens to be in that camp so my money is on Tiger, but I don’t believe thinking otherwise makes you a fool. The people that say Tiger will never win again … Now that is foolish.
http://thegreenblazer.blogspot.com
by TheGreenBlazer on Mar 9, 2011 6:16 PM EST up reply actions
At 33, Woods is better
but at 40 he might not be. You can’t judge a career until it is over. You should know that. woods win again ? I’d be surprised if he doesn’t. But if his putting does not improve, I don’t think he will get 19 majors.
Tiger might benefit more with lessons from Dave Stockton than any swing coach. His putting was always a major key to his greatness, that and his near sniper’s ability with a short iron in his hand.
I do wonder if Mac O’Grady is next.
Good on ya Charles...that's the name
I couldn’t remember…now you talk of a language from another planet….It almost sounded like a bunch a women all talking at the same time on different subjects….Lawdy, Lawdy….STUB
STUB
OK Charles how about
as out of place as an Imam at a Bris. IMHO LOL….. Do you work for NPR????
Foley / Tiger
If you’re going to criticize someone, don’t be surprised if they defend themselves. Hard to fault Foley for firing back a few zingers. It always amazes me how short our memories can be. Haney got the exact same criticism early on when Tiger didn’t instantly win every event he entered. It took well over a year before TW started really seeing success. I also remember the same criticism when he started the big change under Harmon right after winning the Masters by 12 shots. That took well over a year as well. With Foley, it’s only been what, 7 or 8 months (including an off season) and something like 10 events, right? And that doesn’t even begin to take into account what Tiger has been going through mentally with his life being turned upside down, etc. This takes time, and I believe that’s mostly the gist of what Foley is trying to say. Now granted, I’m no swing expert and I’m in no position to judge the merit of what Foley is teaching, but what I am confident in saying, (based on history) is Tiger’s hasn’t had enough time to get comfortable with the changes. Couple that with the mental aspects and you get the results we’re currently seeing from him. So everyone that wants to declare Tiger "done", or say "he’ll never win another major", go ahead and play the broken record we’ve heard so many times in the past. For me (being that I don’t have a crystal ball) I’ll wait and see what happens. Besides, if Tiger is still playing like this for another year or so, they’ll still be plenty of room for me to jump on the bandwagon with the rest of you. Either way, I’ll continue to appreciate one of the most brilliant careers in history.
The man who never alters his opinions is like standing water, and breeds reptiles of the mind.
~ William Blake
Tiger Sucks.......
It seems that the only time you post is when TW is involved, so every other day I will post the comment “Tiger Sucks”…..that way we’ll see more of you……: )
BTW, did you win your Fantasy football championship?
The Saints were the SUPER BOWL CHAMPS for a year...hope I don't have to wait another 44 years for #2....WHO DAT!......:)
Nope
Got destroyed int the championship game. Although second place money wasn’t too bad.
The man who never alters his opinions is like standing water, and breeds reptiles of the mind.
~ William Blake
I like Tigerhead here too
But sometimes he talks about Woods as the victim, when he caused his own grief. But Woods has been a brilliant golfer…and one can’t rule himout winning more majors than jack…if he putts better .
Allright
sounds like I need to make an effort to comment on something else; I’ll see what I can do.
The man who never alters his opinions is like standing water, and breeds reptiles of the mind.
~ William Blake
I live in Michigan
and there are quite a few very nice golf courses near by. Haven’t got out yet this year as the weather is still too cold. I’m a 12 handicap. Thanks for asking.
The man who never alters his opinions is like standing water, and breeds reptiles of the mind.
~ William Blake
Clueless?
Eh, Emily K….Surely he is including himself in that comment. SF is a nice guy, means well, and is caught between a rock and a hard spot. You gotta admire is chutzpah. My take. We’ve been regurgitating Tiger Woods swing problems for a long, long, long time. Many of us have simply pointed out he needs to start anew. That means; drop IMG/Mark Steinberg, can Mr. I Know Nothing, tell Sean F to take a long walk off a short pier and take a break. Then spend time going over past video’s of his golf swing and practice at his new digs until he figures it out. He’s no dummy, well that might be stretch comment in light of what brought him down but that’s water under the bridge, he knows the golf swing. He has allowed his computer chip between the left and right ear to over process his fundamentals. He has not really refreshed himself personally or in golf. Grind, grind and grind has been detrimental not helpful."
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Have a golf story tip? Contact editor Charles Boyer and he will follow the story! Thanks!
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
