Tiger Woods’ ex-coach Haney writes tell-all book

Tiger Woods. AP file photo

NEW YORK—”The Big Miss”, a tell-all book detailing Hank Haney’s six years serving as swing coach for golf star Tiger Woods, is set to go on sale March 27, barely a week before the Masters tees off.

A synopsis of the book on the Random House Incorporated website described Haney as being impressed by the work ethic of Woods.

But it also noted how Haney saw the 14-time major champion was fearful of “the big miss”, a woeful shot that would doom his chances on a hole or in a tournament.

And it mentions Haney’s observations on how Woods used a variety of tactics to keep people from getting too close to him.

Woods was 28 when he asked Haney to coach him in March of 2004. Haney said he spent 110 days a year with Woods, staying at the Woods home more than 30 days a year to see him in relaxed moments with then-wife Elin as well as on the golf course.

Woods, chasing the all-time record of 18 majors won by Jack Nicklaus, won six majors while working with Haney, including the 2005 Masters and British Open, the 2006 British Open and PGA Championship, the 2007 PGA and the 2008 US Open.

After going more than two years without a victory since his infamous sex scandal, Woods snapped his drought last month with a triumph at the World Challenge, an 18-man event that benefits his charity foundation.

Woods served as an honorary captain for Stanford University’s American football team in a 41-38 over-time loss to Oklahoma State in the Fiesta Bowl gridiron matchup last week. Woods attended Stanford for two years before his 1996 pro debut.

Woods, nagged by injuries the past two seasons but healthy now, will open his 2012 campaign on January 26 at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship against such rivals as England’s World No. 1 Luke Donald, US Open champion Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland and defending champion Martin Kaymer of Germany.

“I am looking to get off to a fast start and keep building from there,” said Woods on his website.

“Now that I am healthy, I feel I can keep building my game and confidence each week.

“It was nice to finally get a ‘W’ again. It was a great confidence boost and the perfect way to end the season and head into Christmas break. It’s a culmination of all the hard work I have been able to put in off the course.

“I am pretty close to delivering my best, week in and week out.”

Woods, ranked 23rd in the world, said he looks forward to testing such rivals as Donald and McIlroy in the upcoming season.

“It is exciting for golf fans and I relish the challenge of going head-to-head with any number of the leading players on a Sunday afternoon,” Woods said.

“Rory and Luke are both very talented golfers and I admire what they have achieved in the last year. The young guys coming through are practicing harder than ever before and raising the bar.”