Haney did Woods a favor by resigning

Associated Press

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FLA.

For all the criticism Hank Haney has faced over six years and six major championships working with Tiger Woods, his latest move deserves nothing but praise.

Haney resigned as his swing coach Monday night, and the timing could not have been better.

“I know Tiger Woods will be successful in the future no matter who helps him,” Haney said on his website. “He is an incredible athlete with an incredible work ethic.”

Haney informed his star client through a text message. He said Woods was with his two children when they exchanged messages, and they would talk more on Tuesday.

Speculation of a split began at Quail Hollow. Despite what Woods said about Haney at The Players Championship — “I’m still working with him, yeah” — it became clear last week from those close to the world’s No. 1 player that change was imminent. And even though Haney said he had just been paid for the next quarter, he knew it was coming, too.

The only question was how long it would take.

While the timing looks bad — Woods is at his lowest personally and professionally — Haney did not walk out on him. What he did was spare Woods from having to spin tales about their relationship for the next however many months. He also spared the media and the public from having to listen to it and speculate about it.

Stepping aside was a gracious move by Haney.