Rory McIlroy, the world number two golfer, has sought advice from Butch Harmon, the former coach of Tiger Woods, ahead of his bid to win The Masters. McIlroy will become the sixth player to win all four men’s majors if he wins next week’s Masters. However, with just one top-20 finish on the PGA Tour this season, the 34-year-old has sought Harmon’s help.
Harmon, who worked with Woods for his first eight major wins before splitting with the then-world number one in 2002, is known for his work with several other major champions, including Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, and Greg Norman.
McIlroy has a long-standing relationship with Harmon, having first met him when he was 14 years old. McIlroy described Harmon as “half golf coach, half psychologist,” and said that he spent four hours with him in Las Vegas.
During the session, McIlroy said that Harmon helped him address some issues with his iron play that had been troubling him. McIlroy has been struggling with his form this season, with just one top-10 finish in eight events so far.
McIlroy’s long-time coach is fellow Northern Irishman Michael Bannon, although the four-time major winner has also worked with Englishman Pete Cowen. However, McIlroy has turned to Harmon for a second opinion on his game, citing their long-standing relationship and Harmon’s reputation as a coach.
McIlroy has attempted the career Grand Slam nine times at Augusta but has not achieved it yet. He came second behind Scottie Scheffler in 2022 and has had five other top 10 finishes.
