'I Was So Proud To See Him Again' - Harmon Reveals Following Woods' Return

Harmon coached Woods to eight Major titles, with the duo still in contact despite splitting many years ago

Butch with Tiger
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Tiger Woods, when coached by Butch Harmon, produced arguably the most dominant period of golf through the late 90s - early 2000s, with Tiger claiming multiple shot victories in not only PGA Tour events, but also Majors!

In the 10-year period that they worked together before splitting in 2004, Tiger secured an incredible eight Major titles. At Augusta National though, and the 2022 Masters, the two reunited, with Tiger making his first competitive start since his serious car crash just 14 months ago. During the meet, Harmon revealed how proud he was to see Tiger feature in tournament play again.

Harmon, DJ and Tiger talk

Harmon, Woods and Dustin Johnson chat before the 2018 US Open

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Speaking after Tiger's final round performance, Harmon revealed: "Tiger and I, we talk every now and then, but I have been off Tour for a while but, what I told him, was how proud I was to able to see him (play this week)." 

The 78-year-old went on to add: "We had a lot of good times together, a great 10 years, I can tell you that. I think what he has been through in his life has humbled him really, to be honest with you. He's a dad now with two great kids and we've seen him a lot. His daughter gave a fabulous speech at the Hall of Fame introduction. It was an honour to see him attempt to go (following final round conclusion at Augusta National)."

After a one-under-par first round, Tiger produced a two-over-par 74 as he comfortably made the cut at The Masters. However, on Saturday, he produced his worse ever performance at the tournament in 93 rounds, with a six-over-par 78, dropping him down the leaderboard.

In his final round at Augusta National, Tiger would repeat his round of 78, with the 46-year-old in visible discomfort, which suggested that he has still not fully recovered from his serious car crash in February 2021, that led to his right leg almost being amputated.

Harmon and woods

Woods and Harmon prior to the 2000 WGC-NEC Invitational

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Following his final round, Tiger confirmed that he will be playing at the 150th Open at St Andrews in July though, with the 15-time Major winner stating: “I would love to play at St. Andrews, there's no doubt about it. It’s my favourite golf course in the world. To be a two-time Open champion there and even just being a part of the Champions Dinner is really neat. I got to attend my first one in '05 and it was pretty neat to be a part of it."

Matt Cradock
Staff Writer

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.


Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.


Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?

Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°

Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°

Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°

Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW

Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°

Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x