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Could someone please clue me in on the Tiger and Butch situation? Why did they split up after having so much success in the first place? I keep hearing about them two and it doesn't seem like they like each other anymore.

Two big fish find life difficult in a small pond!

I heard the real reason was something to do with a pyramid scheme gone bad and some fines on a late DVD return to Blockbuster.

Those Blockbuster fines are killer! They make the return time noon and they have the audacity to call it a 3 day rental!? To top it off, you return it 5 minutes late and they charge you the full rental fee which is already overpriced at around $5. If Blockbuster is your only rental option, I have to say, their Rewards program is outstanding. Anyway, sorry about jacking this thread but here's an article regarding swing coaches on the PGA Tour.

http://sports.yahoo.golfserv.com/gdc...e.asp?id=24025

tiger thinks he can do it better on his own

mieko,

As Butch became more renowned as a teacher as a result of his association with Tiger and his taking on more professionals as students, Tiger didn't have as much of Butch's attention as he once did. Also, Tiger believed that he knew his own swing well enough and had learned about as much from Butch as he could.

There isn't much doubt that Butch is and has been cashing in on Tiger's success. (Look how Tiger reacted to Fluff Cowan's cashing in on their relationship.) Perhaps Tiger believed that Butch owed him a bit more loyalty and exclusivity than he was getting. Personal relationships are always very complicated; add money and fame and things get really messy. I don't think that there is really any bad blood between them, just a shared sense of betrayal and disappointment.

However, I also like Keith's failed pyramid scheme and late DVD return explanation too.

Two individuals at the top of their profession. Maybe Tiger was tired of hearing about how he owed his success to Butch. And as others stated, Butch took on new students, with a lot of success.

Whatever the reason, I think Tiger is paying the price of the break up more so than Butch. Butch is still out there with his students, Tiger is still trying to find fairways - which he ultimately will because he is so talented.

They're handling this pretty classy - no name calling by either one. I know when my kids cause me a late charge at Blockbuster's, I really get annoyed and let them know about it.

http://sports.yahoo.golfserv.com/gdc/news/article.asp?id=24025

THought you'd appreciate this story relating to your question......


Regards,


Dmarque

Here's more fuel to the fire.

http://sports.yahoo.golfserv.com/gdc...e.asp?id=24137

Butch had some comments, I believe, yesterday and this article has Tiger's reaction to it.

Thanks for the link, victory. I had no idea that something like this was going on. I guess I need to read more about golf and less about politics! ;)

Thanks for the article too. I had no idea this was boiling.

Personally I think its funny. Tiger getting mad for someone telling the truth, especially someone who probably knows more about Tiger's swing than Tiger.

Its a battle of two HUGE egos. I think Butch is overrated personally. I like Rick Smith, he seems more humble than Butch, Leadbetter and others.

valeogut,
Excellent analysis! (Which is to say: That's what I think, too.)
After seeing their remarks yesterday (and did you love how NBC played "Let's you and him fight"?), my hunch is they won't be getting back together again soon.

Tiger clearly has Jack's records in mind to become the greatest player ever. But Jack had a life long teacher and friend in Jack Grout. Jack never had to guard his private life quite like Tiger and had, perhaps, more balance in his non-golfing life with his family. The quality time Jack had with his kids, and the fact he could go out to eat or see a movie without drawing undue attention prolonged his career by keeping him refreshed when he did play. In some ways, I don't feel envious of Woods. The guy can't go out of his home or room without attention-I'll never know that feeling, but I bet it can lead to burnout - i.e. everytime I'm out I have to be Tiger Woods, the worlds best golfer, not just some guy trying to hang out with friends or fiance (who can obviously attract a lot of attention herself!). Nobody can be "on" all the time, and I'm sure there are times he would like to go out and get away from it all, but has to be concerned about being seen. Combined with the Harmon situation and the need to be refreshed may explain the drop in the quality of his play. I hope he does eventually break Jack's records just because I enjoy watching people excel in what they do.

greenguy,

Records are made to be broken and Tiger may someday exceed Jack's Major total. For me, it's not the final result that matters...but the thrill of the chase!