PGA Tour star in shock split on eve of Presidents Cup

Max Homa Parts Ways with Swing Coach Ahead of Presidents Cup

PGA Tour star Max Homa has confirmed his split from longtime swing coach Mark Blackburn on the eve of the Presidents Cup, which is set to take place at Royal Montreal in Canada. Homa, 33, was selected as one of the six captain’s picks by Jim Furyk for the United States team, raising eyebrows among some fans who questioned his current form.

Despite recent struggles on the course, Homa has proven to be a reliable player in team competitions. He was a standout performer in both the 2022 Presidents Cup and the 2023 Ryder Cup, where he went unbeaten, securing seven and a half points out of a possible nine. This stellar track record in team events may have influenced Furyk’s decision to include him in the squad.

Homa’s partnership with Blackburn began in 2020, following the U.S. Open, and during their collaboration, Homa enjoyed significant success. He won five of his six career PGA Tour titles under Blackburn’s guidance. However, recent months have seen a decline in Homa’s performance, with no top-10 finishes in his last 10 events. Consequently, his world ranking has dropped from seventh at the start of the season to his current position of 25th.

Speaking ahead of the Presidents Cup, Homa explained his decision to end his coaching relationship with Blackburn, citing a desire to take more control over his own game. “I love Mark,” Homa emphasized, underscoring the personal connection they share. He described Blackburn as a family friend but felt it was time to take greater ownership of his swing.

To manage his game during this transitional period, Homa’s caddie, Joe Greiner, will act as an additional set of eyes on his swing throughout the Presidents Cup. Additionally, Homa will be consulting with a friend, sending swing videos for feedback and advice.

The United States team will be looking to extend their dominance in the Presidents Cup, where they have a formidable record of 12 wins, 1 loss, and 1 tie over the event’s history. This year, they aim to secure their 10th consecutive victory against the International team.

The decision to part ways with Blackburn marks a significant change for Homa, who will be navigating this pivotal tournament without the coach who helped guide him through much of his recent career success. The Presidents Cup will provide a high-stakes setting for Homa to prove he can thrive under his new self-guided approach.