While the final fallout from golf instructor Hank Haney’s on-air comments about this week’s U.S. Women’s Open remains to be seen, there has been no shortage of criticism aimed at the former swing coach of Tiger Woods.
In fact, on Friday, following an even-par second round at the Memorial Tournament, Woods himself was asked about Haney’s comments and subsequent suspension from SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio.
Wie Fires Back At Haney Over LPGA Comments
“He deserved it,” Woods said. “Just can’t look at life like that. And he obviously said what he meant, and he got what he deserved.”
“He deserved it,” @TigerWoods said of former coach Hank Haney’s suspension from radio show https://t.co/6I5urZYStF
— Steve DiMeglio (@Steve_DiMeglio) May 31, 2019
Woods and Haney worked together for six years between 2004 and 2010. After their split, Haney wrote a book, The Big Miss, about his time working with Woods.
On Wednesday, Haney came under fire for comments he made about LPGA Tour players and his predictions for a winner at the Country Club of Charleston, host of this week’s U.S. Women’s Open.
“I’m going to predict a Korean (will win),” Haney told co-host Steve Johnson on Hank Haney Golf Radio. “That’s going to be my prediction. I couldn’t name you, like, six players on the LPGA Tour. Maybe I could. Well, I’d go with Lee if I didn’t have to name a first name, I’d get a bunch of them right.”
Haney would subsequently apologize to anyone he offended.
He faced backlash from some of the biggest names in professional golf, including Michelle Wie who publicly called out the instructor.
“As a Korean American female golfer, these comments that Hank Haney made disappoint and anger me on so many different levels,” Wie tweeted. “Racism and sexism are no laughing matter Hank….shame on you. I don’t ever do this, but this must be called out.
“Too many of these girls, Korean or not, have worked countless hours and sacrificed so much to play in the US Open this week. There are so many amazing players in the field. Let’s celebrate them… Not mock them.”
On Thursday, PGA Tour Radio officially suspended Haney from their airwaves.
“I accept my suspension and apologize again,” Haney said.
