Tiger Woods speaks in defense of coach Sean Foley, says he will take time to adjust to scrutiny
Tiger Woods’ return from the wilderness, as evident from his recent performances in WGC Cadillac and the Tavistock Cup, might not be good news for his competitors, but Coach Sean Foley is visibly happy.
Foley has faced severe criticism from almost everyone who is remotely associated with the sport, as well as from the veteran and celebrated golfers of the past, many of whom rendered Foley as incompetent. But the coach himself is still learning to be the
coach of one of the giants of the sport that ever lived.
"It's almost become a shot-by-shot referendum," said Foley, "One thing I noticed last week was that nobody really paid attention to is that he's back up into the top 10 in driving distance and last week he finished fourth in greens in regulation.”
His comment about Hank Haney, Woods former coach, was probably a step in the wrong direction and fueled the already rampant criticism against him. On a question regarding the unusual banter between the two coaches he replied, “I realise that things unconsciously
come out. It shows me I have a lot to learn about being grateful, about being compassionate, being empathetic and just focusing on myself.”
Haney’s coaching tenure with Woods has also come under scrutiny and is often regarded as one of the reasons for Woods’ present dilemma. Foley is now sharing the same fate, but he tried to offer some perspective of the whole issue.
“Tiger typically never hit it in the fairway -- ever. One year. 2000,” Foley said. “In however long he worked with both of them, driving it in the fairway was never his strong suit.”
Woods also came out in defense of his coach and stated that coach Foley will take some time to adjust to the kind of scrutiny he has never experienced before.
When Woods lost to Graeme McDowell in Playoff, in the Chevron World Cup, many had remarked it as Woods re-launch to top ranking, but sadly that never happened. His recent 6-under for 66 at Doral and an amazing 8-under par for 64 in Tavistock has been promising.
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