Tiger Woods ex coach sparks war among golf fans with ‘mean’ Rory McIlroy US Open comment

Tiger Woods’ former coach, Hank Haney, is known for his outspoken views, and his recent comments regarding Rory McIlroy’s performance at the US Open have sparked a heated debate among golf fans.

On June 19, Haney took to X to assert that if McIlroy had Steve Williams, Tiger Woods’ former caddie, on his bag, the outcome of the US Open would have been vastly different. Haney claimed that Williams would have prevented McIlroy from using a 7-iron on the par-three 15th hole at Pinehurst No.2. McIlroy’s shot missed the green and narrowly escaped with a bogey.

“Wrong club, wrong shot, bad plan,” Haney wrote. Following this, McIlroy missed a critical par putt and faced further challenges, including a scrutinized driver choice on the 72nd hole. His decisions, particularly off the tee, drew criticism from commentators like Sir Nick Faldo and Wayne ‘Radar’ Riley.

The aftermath of McIlroy’s collapse has prompted widespread discussion. Haney’s comments ignited strong reactions, with one fan noting that Williams was also caddying for Adam Scott when Scott lost the 2012 Open after bogeying the final four holes. Scott reflected on the experience, expressing deep regret over his missed opportunity.

In response to Haney’s post, one user criticized his presumptions, calling them “spiteful and unnecessary.” Another noted Haney’s “selective memory,” while a third dismissed his relevance, saying, “Your 15 minutes was 15 years ago.”

Haney, who coached Woods from 2004 to 2010, helping him secure six major titles, parted ways with Woods following the scandal surrounding Woods’ personal life in 2009.

English tour pro Eddie Pepperell also weighed in, suggesting that McIlroy’s caddie, Harry Diamond, might be holding him back. Pepperell, speaking on The Chipping Forecast, suggested that a more experienced caddie could have helped McIlroy secure a win. He pointed to the critical bogey on the 15th hole as evidence of McIlroy’s missteps, asserting that a better caddie could have guided him through the pressure.

Pepperell remarked, “Rory was in complete control, but his choice on 15 showed he needed someone to guide him better. A great caddie would have made a different call, leading to a different outcome.”

The debate over McIlroy’s performance and Haney’s remarks highlights the intense scrutiny and high stakes of professional golf, where every decision can make or break a tournament.