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 The Louisiana accent was as thick as gumbo and belonged to Charlie Ricks, owner of ESPN Golf Schools, which holds events in the area about six times a year. Haney, the noted instructor who works with Tiger Woods, developed the curriculum and is dean of instruction. The Hank Haney Signature School at Primm Valley Golf Club was the site of my two days of instruction, which included chipping, putting and fitness. “If someone wants to learn, that’s all the motivation I need,” Haney said of the varying swings and skill levels he sees on a daily basis. Haney’s passion to teach is surpassed only by his star pupil’s passion to improve. It took Haney nearly two years to rebuild Woods’ swing, and the hard work has paid off. Last year, after suffering what Haney described as “scrutiny that got pretty nasty,” there was retribution and satisfaction for Haney when Woods earned another Player of the Year award. ROAD WARRIOR: Haney spends more than 250 days a year on the road, 110 of them with Woods. The more he talked about his teaching relationship with Tiger the more it became obvious that the interpersonal relationship is as important as what he teaches. Let’s face it, if you spend that much time with someone, he better be someone you want to hang with. Haney’s personality also fits with the top player in the world’s inner circle. Unlike previous caddy Mike “Fluff” Cowan and swing coach Butch Harmon, who marketed their involvement with Woods, Haney keeps a low profile and is fine with staying out of the headlines. SWING THOUGHTS: Haney told me to move my hands closer to my body while starting the backswing, and the change has had a positive effect. How long it continues to work “depends on my dedication to making it mine,” Haney told me. As something to shoot for, Haney described a slight adjustment he made to the swing of Woods, who then “stood in front of a mirror with a weighted club making that same slow-motion, 24-inch move for an hour every night before going to bed until it was second nature.” My dedication lasted for about two minutes in front of the mirror before my mind started to wander. I became fixated on what gravity has done to my once-robust 46-inch chest. It’s not a pretty sight. AGING GRACEFULLY: There was a time when I was young, single and on testosterone overload. I used to say my goal in life was to “live until I was 95 and get shot by a jealous lover.” Hugh Hefner was my hero. Now that I’m married and the father of two youngsters, my goals are different. I also have a new hero: Leonard Lukin of Hilton Head, S.C., who won the inaugural Shoot Your Age Golf Tournament at The Villages in Florida. Par for the course is 72, but for this event the competitor’s age was par. Lukin, 87, shot an 81, which was good enough to beat course architect Arnold Palmer, 76, who shot a 73. Now there’s a tournament victory to brag about. A FATHER’S DAY WISH: Three years ago I dedicated this column to the birth of my son. Yes, I’m a very late bloomer. My father, who loved golf, died when I was young and I never got to play golf with him. Three years ago, I asked God to “grant me the opportunity to some day play golf with Timmy.” Maybe it will happen. For now, however, I’m having trouble explaining the concept of widening his stance. Eric Tracy is also known as The Mulligan Man. If you have questions or comments, contact him at eric@themulliganman.com. |
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