Images from some of golf’s most notable professional and personal splits.
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Images from some of golf’s most notable professional and personal splits.
Tiger and Elin’s 6-year marriage ended in a messy, public manner following the revelation of Tiger’s multiple infidelities, which came to light after his infamous 2009 Thanksgiving night crash.
They worked together for 12 years, won 13 majors and were the Best Man at each other’s wedding. But Woods abruptly ended their professional relationship in July 2011 after Williams worked for Adam Scott during Woods’ injury-induced absence.
In between his second and third marriages, Nick Faldo spent three years with Brenna Cepelak, whom he met as a 20-year-old college student in 1996. Their relationship ended with Cepelak smashing Faldo’s Porshe with his 9-iron.
Tom Watson’s famous caddie worked for Greg Norman for three years before leaving the Shark in the early ‘90s. ‘I just want to caddie for someone who has heart,’ Edwards said.
‘Fluff’ was Tiger’s first professional caddie and was on the bag for this historic 1997 Masters win. The two split in 1999 after it appeared Cowan’s profile had grown too large for Woods’ liking.
Nick Faldo and swing coach David Leadbetter teamed to win six major championships before their public split in 1998, which Leadbetter called a ‘slap in the face.’
Under Harmon’s tutelage, Woods won eight majors, including seven from 1999-2002. The two split in 2003, when Woods decided he wanted to make swing changes.
In the interest of space, we’ll lump all four of John Daly’s failed marriages (above with wife No. 3 Paulette Dean) into one category.
Mickelson and Smith teamed to win three majors, but following Lefty’s 2006 U.S. Open collapse and a testy 2007 Masters, Mickelson switched to Butch Harmon.
Sean O’Hair broke away from his demanding father in 2002, when he married his girlfriend at 19. The elder O’Hair was notorious for forcing Sean into grueling practice sessions and punishing him when he played poorly. The two still don’t speak.
Garcia, the 2008 Players champion, fell into a career tailspin after being dumped by Greg Norman’s daughter in 2009. Admittedly heartbroken, Garcia lost his desire for the game and didn’t win a tournament for three years.
McIlroy was one of three Chandler clients to win a major in 2011, but dropped Chubby’s ISM agency immediately after the PGA Grand Slam.
Bivens officially resigned as tour commissioner in 2009, but was basically forced out after four years of angered sponsors, staff resignations and reduced events.
The two-time golf major champion and 18-time tennis grand slam winner were an iconic pair, together as Norman made his run at the claret jug in 2008. They married June 28, 2008. They divorced Dec. 8, 2009.
Woods followed swing coach Butch Harmon with Haney. The two won six majors as a tandem but Haney ended their ‘dysfunctional relationship’ after six years, in 2010.
The Acushnet Co. announced Oct. 30, 2012 that it would end its relationship with Rory McIlroy at the end of the year. McIlroy had been using Titleist equipment and FootJoy apparal since turning pro. (Getty Images)
The sports stars (he of golf and she of tennis) were an item for nearly three years. They got engaged on New Year’s Eve 2013, but McIlroy announced he was calling off the wedding just five months later. (Getty Images)
The Dufners, who were married in May 2012, were the picture of lovey-dovey bliss when he won the 2013 PGA Championship (and who can forget his affectionate backside pat?). But a day after the 2015 Valspar Championship, Jason Dufner agreed to a divorce settlement with his wife Amanda. According to court documents obtained by GolfChannel.com, the two separated on Feb. 17, 2015. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
Vonn and Woods were together in public as recently as the Masters, where she helped his kids caddie for him in the Par 3 Contest. But Woods and Vonn, an Olympic skier, released separate statements on May 3, 2015, saying that they have mutually decided to split up after nearly three years of dating. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images)
