Butch Harmon: Adam Scott, Not Phil Mickelson, is My No. 1 Client

by Mulligan Stu on Apr 24, 2007 6:37 PM EDT

The Golf Channel's Brian Hewitt talked to Butch Harmon today - the day after Phil Mickelson announced he was leaving instructor Rick Smith for Harmon - and has an article about their chat over at TGC.

Not surprisingly, Harmon didn't talk about specific things he'll be working on with Phil's swing, only about the goal (helping Mickelson become a better and more consistent driver of the ball).

He also said that he thinks Mickelson can catch Tiger Woods in the world rankings "in the next couple of years." (What else is he going to say?)

And Harmon also said that Mickelson isn't his primary client and Phil will just have to deal with that. Say what?

When former U.S. Open champion Corey Pavin began working with Harmon several years ago he talked about the "totem pole" effect that came with being a member of Harmon's stable. In short, Pavin quickly learned there was a pecking order on the practice range at events when more than one Harmon pupil was present. And, Pavin found out, he wasn't at the top of it.

Where, Harmon was asked Tuesday, will Mickelson's place be on that totem pole?

"I have already called Fred Couples, Adam Scott and Stewart Cink and assured them this won't change my relationship with them," Harmon said. "I'm not Rick Smith. I'm not going to spend 24/7 time with Phil. When he needs help I'll be there with him. ... But if you're asking me who's at the top of the totem pole, Adam Scott is my main client. And I've explained that to Phil."

That's just Harmon trying to prevent Scott from thinking he's going to lose any time with his teacher. Harmon will surely work with Mickelson every bit as much as Mickelson wants him to.

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