Tiger Woods' former coach blasts Zach Johnson: "What a ridiculous thing to say!"

Tiger Woods former coach Hank Haney has thrown Zach Johnson firmly under the bus.

24 May 2023

Tiger Woods' former coach blasts Zach Johnson:

Tiger Woods' former coach Hank Haney says Zach Johnson's comments about it being 'premature' to discuss the prospect of LIV Golf players being in the U.S. Ryder Cup side were 'ridiculous'.

Johnson spoke about the breakaway tour players featuring in his side this September before the 2023 PGA Championship.

Brooks Koepka, who joined LIV Golf last June for a reported $100m deal, proved his performance at the 87th Masters was not just a flash in the pan by cruising to victory at Oak Hill.

Koepka said his win was a welcome credibility boost for the Saudi-backed league but insisted he was still very much focused on himself.

Still, Koepka did state he very much wanted to be a part of the team that heads to the Marco Simone Golf & Country club in a few months' time.

Koepka boasts a 6-5-1 record in the event and claimed two points for the U.S. side that dismantled the Europeans at Whistling Straits the last time out.

"I just think it's too premature and, frankly, irresponsible to even have any sort of opinion about that." - Zach Johnson on whether he should start considering Brooks Koepka in the U.S. Ryder Cup team

One person who did not take too kindly to this statement is Haney, who coached Woods from 2004-2010.

Related: Tiger WDs from U.S. Open

During that period Woods won six major titles before parting ways with the instructor after withdrawing from the 2010 Players.

Haney wrote on social media:

"What a ridiculous quote by Zach Johnson. Brooks Koepka won the PGA and came second at the Masters. They think this stupid little game they are playing is good for the game of golf?"

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Zach Johnson's counterpart, Luke Donald, now has a bit more clarity on what his team will look like after a number of DP World Tour and former Ryder Cup stalwarts resigned their memberships after their fines and suspensions were upheld after they played LIV events.

He recently urged those playing LIV events they could still make his team, adding:

"I think in terms of what Zach is doing and his options, I think that's kind of his call. Whether LIV players play on his team, again, I haven't really talked to him much about it as a captains' agreement, as you said.

He continued:

"And let's not forget there's still LIV players that can still play on my team. They're still eligible if they're members of the Tour and were born in Europe. That is still a possibility for some guys."

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