Tiger Woods loses swing coach Hank Haney

Hank Haney today quit as Tiger Woods' swing coach, leaving the world No1 without one of his top advisers as he tries to rebuild his game.

The pair's partnership has come under scrutiny as Woods has struggled with his swing since returning from his five-month exile, with some suggesting he should abandon Haney's principles.

There had been speculation the pair would part with Haney not at last week's Players' Championship at Sawgrass, where Woods quit in the final round because of a neck problem.

Haney, who has been with the American for six years, said in a statement: "Just so there is no confusion, I would like to make it clear this is my decision.

"Tiger Woods and I will always be friends, but I believe that there is a time and place for everything, and I feel at this time and at this place in my life I want to move forward in other areas."

Haney was right by Woods' side as he prepared to compete in last month's Masters, which was his first tournament since a sex scandal shattered his image. He tied for fourth at Augusta but it's been all downhill since.

"As we all know, Tiger has been through a lot in the past six months, and I really believe that given the chance, mind free and injury free, we will all see Tiger Woods play once again like we all know he can," said Haney.

"I wish Tiger well, not only with his golf, but in finding peace and happiness in all aspects of his life. Tiger knows that if he ever needs me in any way, whether it be with his golf or just as a friend he can always call."

Woods won 31 PGA Tour events and six Major championship titles while working with Haney.

The 54-year-old added: "It has been a great learning experience and along the way Tiger has elevated me in my own profession to a level that I never thought I would achieve before I had the opportunity to work with him.

"He is an incredible athlete with an incredible work ethic. As we all know, Tiger has been through a lot in the last six months, and I really believe that given the chance, mind free and injury free, we will all see Tiger Woods play once again like we all know he can.

"I wish Tiger well, not only with his golf, but in finding peace and happiness in all aspects of his life."