Tiger Woods has announced that he has parted company with his swing coach Sean Foley.
Woods has experienced an injury plagued year and hasn't won a major championship since the 2008 US Open.
Unsuccessful partnership
He had worked with Foley for four years after he took over from Hank Haney who had worked with Woods for six years. But after no major titles under his guidance compared to a combined 14 titles under his previous two coaches Butch Harmon and Haney he decided it was time for a change.
The former world number one wrote a statement on his official website thanking Foley for his work.
Amicable parting
"I'd like to thank Sean for his help as my coach and for his friendship," Woods wrote.
“Sean is one of the outstanding coaches in golf today, and I know he will continue to be successful with the players working with him.
“With my next tournament not until my World Challenge event at Isleworth in Orlando, this is the right time to end our professional relationship."
With Woods not planning on returning to golf until December, the 38-year old added that he isn't currently looking to hire a new coach anytime soon.
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Woods added: “Presently, I do not have a coach, and there is no timetable for hiring one."
The 40-year old coach spoke highly of Woods after the news of their split was confirmed.
“My time spent with Tiger is one of the highlights of my career so far, and I am appreciative of the many experiences we shared together," Foley said.
"It was a lifelong ambition of mine to teach the best player of all time in our sport. I am both grateful for the things we had the opportunity to learn from one another, as well as the enduring friendship we have built. I have nothing but respect and admiration for him."
Cause for concern
Earlier in Wood's career it looked a certainty that he would overhaul Jack Nicklaus' record of 18 major titles. But after struggling with a combination of injuries and off course problems he has not won a major for six years.
Foley had planned to adjust Woods' swing in order to put less strain on his troublesome left knee but it seemed to come at an expense of his back which he has had problems with recently.
Surgery
He underwent surgery on a slipped disk in his back in March but since his return to the course has failed to rekindle any kind of form or fitness. He completed his worst 72 hole finish at a major at the Open in July while he missed the cut by five shots at the US PGA Championship as his back problems became clear.
Woods also pulled out of next month's Ryder Cup due to fitness concerns but his potential wildcard selection was in doubt anyway.
Foley has enjoyed some success with other players including England's former US Open champion Justin Rose and the recent winner of The Barclays Hunter Mahan.
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