Phil Mickelson parts ways with Butch Harmon 

Phil Mickelson has decided to split from his coach, Butch Harmon, after eight years.

Phil Mickelson parts ways with Butch Harmon

By Kylie Winkler

Phil Mickelson has decided to split from his coach, Butch Harmon, after eight years.

“It’s just that at the moment I need to hear new ideas from a different perspective,” he said in a statement.

The partnership first started in 2007 and led to Mickelson’s win at the Players Championship that year. He secured 12 PGA Tour titles over the next six years under Harmon’s watch, including the 2010 Masters and 2013 Open Championship.

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Mickelson has struggled since his victory at Muirfield more than two years ago, only recording five top-10 finishes. The left-hander’s ranking has dropped since winning the Open, falling to 25^th in the World Ranking.

There is a mutual respect between the two, Harmon said there are no hard feelings and will fondly remember their time spent together.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed working with Phil and we've had great success together. Helping him win the Open Championship in 2013 was one of the pinnacles of my career. I see nothing wrong with him seeking advice from another source. We’re great friends and always will be.”

Mickelson flew to Las Vegas to share the news with Harmon in person last week. Despite the split, he believes his coach deserves to be in the World Golf Hall of Fame.

“I’ve learned a great deal from him in our eight years together," he said.

Sources suggest Mickelson could choose Australian Andrew Getson as his next coach.

The 72-year-old Harmon will continue to work with Dustin Johnson, Rickie Fowler, and Jimmy Walker.

Mickleson was part of the winning Presidents Cup team in Incheon City last month. Captain Jay Hass selected him as a wildcard pick and was repaid with an excellent performance.

Twice Mickelson holed out from bunkers to help the United States maintain their dominance over the Internationals.