No problem with coach, says Woods

Source: Agencies  |   2009-5-1  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

WORLD No. 1 Tiger Woods has downplayed rumors he may be ready to part company with coach Hank Haney.

"That's complete speculation," Woods told reporters ahead of the Quail Hollow Championship in North Carolina on Wednesday.

Rumors swirled that Haney, who has been with Woods since 2002, may be on thin ice after he was on the end of a verbal spray by Woods following the third round at the Masters earlier this month. But Woods said he had just been letting off steam on the range after bogeying the final hole a few minutes earlier.

"I didn't hit the ball the way I wanted and didn't make any putts (at the Masters)," Woods said. "I didn't finish off my rounds the last couple of days and it cost me the tournament.

"Usually, you just leave me alone for a while and I'll be ready to focus on what I need to do to get ready for the next day. You've got to vent (and) we don't get a chance to do that, because we come off the green, do media right away.

"It has nothing to do with Henry (Haney). He's seen it before (and caddie Steve Williams) has seen it."