• PGA Tour

Haney relieved by split with Woods

Hank Haney recently ended a six-year association with his star student © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Woods confirms place for the Open at St Andrews
  
• News: Tiger's still the bookies' pal
  
• News: Rest for Tiger after tests show inflammation
  
• News: Woods could coach himself - Haney
  
• News: Tiger's swing coach quits
  
• Profile: Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods' former swing coach Hank Haney says he is relieved to no longer be working with the world No. 1.

The 54 year-old worked with the 14-time major champion for six years but made the decision to quit after the barrage of criticism directed his way in the wake of Woods' missed cut at the Quail Hollow Championship.

Haney, who insists he had not been working with Woods at the time, was disappointed when his star student failed to publicly reject the storm of critique from the media.

"I wish he had stood up in a press conference and announced, at the very least, that he was sick of all the criticism, that he backed me and that he believed in me," Haney said. "But he never did.

"It was a tough decision to quit, one I went back and forth on many times. I sent him a text. I wished him the best and told him I hope he finds someone else to help him.

"He first responded: 'Thanks'. Then two seconds later he said again: 'We're just taking a break right?' I told him: 'No, we're done'.

"When all is said and done, I'm better off out of it. That's the bottom line. It is a huge weight off my shoulders."

Haney - who won six majors with Woods - is fiercely proud of his record with the 34-year-old and is hopeful that he can bounce back from an inconsistent return to the game.

"My record with him is what it is; it will never be approached. In the past two and a half years Tiger has won 44 per cent of his tournaments. He's been in the top 10 for 85% of the time. All I can say is: 'Good luck'."

Meanwhile, Dr Anthony Galea, the sports doctor who treated Woods and a number of NFL stars, has been charged with the unlawful distribution of human growth hormone (HGH).

The Canadian physician, who is not licensed to practice medicine in the United States, could face a maximum prison term of 20 years for the combined charges of smuggling, unlawful distribution of HGH, introducing the unapproved drug actovegin into interstate commerce and lying to federal officials.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.