I am going to hold my opinion of Hank Haney’s book until I get a chance to read it but it has been all over the radio and internet. I am sure this is good for book sales as it seems anything that has to do with Tiger is always big news. I am curious to hear from my readers on whether Hank has crossed the line or is he entitled to share these personal insights about his time with Tiger? I have heard both sides on the radio and internet but I thought this was a bold and interesting take by top teacher, Rick Smith. I have not coached any PGA tour players yet so I can’t weigh in on either side. Let me know what you think? I hate to contribute to more sales of the book but I was curious to hear your thoughts. Here is the comment from Rick Smith:
Rick Smith, a long-time swing instructor on the PGA Tour and former teacher to Phil Mickelson and other notable players, including Rocco Mediate and Lee Janzen, spoke out on Wednesday at the Arnold Palmer Invitational about Hank Haney’s forthcoming book, “The Big Miss,” about the teacher’s six years as Tiger Woods’ swing coach.
“I would rather be broke and not have a penny to my name before I violate the code of player-teacher confidentiality,” Smith said. “In 27 years out here, I’ve never done that. I’m personally upset with Hank because he’s broken and violated our code of ethics. If you have the opportunity and you’re privileged to conversations, you will not and should not share anything from them with anyone. I don’t care who it is.
“For all the guys who have committed their lives to teaching, this should be very upsetting and I know that I’m not the only one that feels this way. What Hank did is against the rules.”
Smith, who stopped coaching Mickelson after the 2006 U.S. Open at Winged Foot, still retains a close personal and business relationship with the four-time major champion. For years, Smith says, he and Mickelson would not discuss with anyone what they were working on. Smith would get permission from Mickelson and other players to answer media questions.
“Your relationship with these players is for a lifetime. All the guys that I have worked with are still my dearest friends,” Smith said. “Obviously, Hank was convinced that it was great that everybody knew about his work with Tiger and that it was substantial financially for him to write this book. But you can’t put a dollar value on something that is an ethical violation.”
Smith said Haney should “suck up” any ill feelings that he might have toward Woods after their working relationship ended in 2010, and be “grateful” and “appreciative” for the chance to work with one of the greatest players of all time.
“The Big Miss: My Years Coaching Tiger Woods” will be released March 27.
Thanks for reading as always,
Guru
The Golf Guru Show 
Very good question, integrity is big. Golf is unlike any other sport, integrity and respect-gentlemen like conduct is one of the things I appreciate most about Golf… It is one thing that attracted me to the industry.
Profiting off a relationship built from trust should be respected. This is my personal opinion,.
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great take. I tend to agree with you
Jason
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I have not read the book but feeling like it will not be in Tigers favor and any positive things about Tiger will perhaps be flattery instead of genuine praise. Makes me wonder if Tiger’s choices were just a reflection of the men he spent time with????? I hope it is a book that favors them both, but seems unlikely with the Timing of the Masters……$$$$$$
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thank you for your take. We will see after the book comes out
Jason
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I agree with Rick Smith. Hank clearly made a decision based on a big pay day. No amount of money is worth not being able to look your former client in the eye. Will he ever teach another tour pro? How awkward will it be at the range if he and Tiger pass each other? Eldrick may get to try that Navy Seal choke move again at some point.
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The more I think about it, the more I agree with Rick. I dont think I would have done it. Should be interesting going forward. Thanks for your take Nick
Jason
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I can’t wait to read this book. It comes out at midnight tonight, and I might go get it then! I am excited to read it because I am Tiger’s biggest fan. I don’t care what Hank says, I want to read about Tiger in whatever light Hank sheds. But nothing Hank will say will shock me. Sure, the insert number of affairs here did… but no one ever thought Tiger was a loyal husband. I hate to admit that about a man I idolize, but that is just a nature of the career that he is in. But that is a topic for another day.
I have befriended Hank on Twitter, and we have talked about the book a few times. He wouldn’t lie, so we need to understand that everything we read is accurate. Hank has too much to lose if he does lie. Hank also has the golden ticket in his hand. He wrote the book because Tiger, as you said, is news. Why not capitalize on that? Hank will forever be “Tiger’s coach” for the time they spent together.
The book is coming out two weeks before the Masters. Do you think that is a coincidence? Hank is a businessman, and is going to make a LOT of money from this book. I can’t blame him there.
I am not a teaching pro, but this code of ethics you guys talk about… is that written down somewhere? If so, I would like to read it. If it is just an assume code, then no one can blame him for how HE controls his life/career/students. I have a feeling that this book was written with due process and even though Tiger won’t comment, nor read the book… Hank has too much to lose to write something ridiculous.
This is going to be a GREAT read, and I hope to have it read before the end of the week. At least once!
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great take Ricky. I think that everyone will be dissapointed by how little it really makes Tiger look bad as I agree with you, he won’t write anything as bad as everyone thinks. It can’t be any worse than what we already know. For me, I hope it has some great behind the scenes golf info that will give us some insight as to why he is so great.
The little things that made him that way which only someone that close to camp would know. The code is just a personal choice as to what you want to do with information that you may know about your player. Whether you would share it with the world if it made the player look bad is his choice. Thats why I don’t think their will be any real damaging info in the book. We shall see. I will read it.
Jason
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It is a great book and made me better understand the pressure on Tiger and to appreciate his accomplishments. Interesting to see his struggle with the driver.
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