Tiger Woods’ Failing in 2014 Isn’t Coach Sean Foley’s Fault

There is no question 2014 is a year to forget for golf superstar Tiger Woods as it was his worst season as a professional. Even though Woods did not outright blame Sean Foley, who has been his coach for the past four years, for his horrible performance this season, he certainly sent a clear message by firing the golf instructor.

“I’d like to thank Sean for his help as my coach and for his friendship,” Woods said in a statement on his official website. “Sean is one of the outstanding coaches in golf today, and I know he will continue to be successful with the players working with him. With my next tournament not until my World Challenge event at Isleworth in Orlando [in December], this is the right time to end our professional relationship.”

Foley responded with the following statement:

“My time spent with Tiger is one of the highlights of my career so far, and I am appreciative of the many experiences we shared together,” Foley said, according to CBS Sports. “It was a lifelong ambition of mine to teach the best player of all time in our sport. I am both grateful for the things we had the opportunity to learn from one another, as well as the enduring friendship we have built. I have nothing but respect and admiration for him.”

Splitting ways with Foley makes sense because Woods needs a fresh start next season. However, his back injury, and constant other injuries, is the main culprit from him not being anywhere near as successful as he has been in years past. To essentially make it seem that Foley is responsible is ridiculous, even if some speculate that it has been Foley’s tactics that have put more strain on Woods’ back.

Many fans are quick to point out that a reunion with Butch Harmon, Woods’ first coach, would be ideal considering where he is at in his career. However, Woods has stated that he has no idea who his next hire will be. Not to mention, as awesome as a reunion would be it could probably never happen due to the strain on their personal and professional relationship.

Woods has made it clear he has no intention of picking up a golf club for at least two months, which means he is in no hurry to find a new coach. With that said, he must put together some sort of game plan if he intends to catch Jack Nicklaus in the major hunt.

Of the seven events Woods was healthy enough to appear in, he only made the cut four times and failed to generate a top-10 finish. In fact, his total earnings from the seven events are $108,275.

Michael Terrill is a Senior Writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @MichaelTerrill, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.