Butch Harmon: If Tiger asks, I’ll help him

If Tiger Woods called, or texted, or whatever, Butch Harmon would answer.

Woods’ one-time teacher told Golf World he would be willing to help his former pupil on a part-time basis as he tries to reform his swing and get his game, and back, healthy again.

“If he wanted, I’d be more than happy to spend a couple of hours and give him my opinion,” Harmon said. “I don’t think he would ask because it goes against his pride.”

The pair stopped working together in 2003, with Woods moving to Hank Haney after a brief period as guardian of his own swing. Harmon, 71, has never lacked work and is arguably busier than ever. He’s working with Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson, as well recent winner Brandt Snedeker and Jimmy Walker. Despite all that, Harmon would make time to help a great get back on track.

“As a fan of great golf, it’s hard to watch him pitch the ball now,” Harmon said. “You can see it’s a total lack of confidence.”

Harmon believes Woods is doing the right thing, keeping away from tournament golf until his game is ready and his back is healthy. In Harmon’s eyes, the question of reps or rest is an easy one.

“If I was him, I wouldn’t play until I’m healthy,” he said. “I know you say you need the tournament reps and all that. Not necessarily. For him, the big thing is the Masters. We know he knows how to play.”

Ryan Ballengee is a Yahoo Sports contributor. Find him on Facebook and Twitter.

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