Foley stunned by Woods criticism

Tiger Woods' swing coach Sean Foley has hit back at the three-time US Open champion’s critics.

After being backed to clinch his 15th Major at the US Masters earlier this month, Woods under-performed, eventually having to settle for a 40th-placed finish.

The 36-year-old was heavily criticised for his behaviour during the tournament, particularly when he kicked his golf club after missing a tee shot on the 16th hole of the second round.

Foley believes the furore has gone too far though, saying: "I know everyone has a job to do, and I get it.

"But if it is about the game of golf, Tiger Woods is an extremely important part of the game, and I think everyone understands that. It has just gotten to the point where the tearing down of Tiger as a person and a golfer has become just too much. I think it is just out of hand."

Woods, who turned professional in 1996 when he was 20, has been the subject of much focus ever since, although that interest has intensified in the last two years since he was exposed for extra-marital affairs that cost him his marriage.

His only PGA Tour win since that scandal came at last month’s Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill.

A few days after the Masters, former Ryder Cup captain Paul Azinger had said Woods' antics were an "embarrassment to the game, to the membership at Augusta. I was really disappointed to see him carry on that way”.

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