Woods working with Butch Harmon again

Tiger Woods, who hopes to return from injury to start his season within the next fortnight, has been rehabilitating more than just his knee. The world No 1 was thought to have spilt from his long-time coach Butch Harmon but the pair are apparently working together again.

Woods had surgery to remove a cyst in his right knee in December but could make his comeback as early as next week's Buick Invitational. Even before Woods got the go ahead to resume full practice 10 days ago he had visited Harmon's golf school in Las Vegas.

Harmon has worked with Woods since he was an amateur but the relationship appeared to have ended at the USPGA Championship last August. While Woods practised on his own prior to the final round, Harmon worked with another of his clients, the then leader Justin Leonard. Woods eventually finished runner-up to Rich Beem.

Woods was diplomatic about their spat at the time but it was thought he was weary of Harmon spending time with other clients and his media work. Though the relationship may not be as close, Woods is clearly not going to turn his back on the man who knows his swing best.

"When he came to see me, he was only able to hit 100 balls a day," Harmon said. "He's really just working on the mechanics of his swing. He felt during the rehab he had a real opportunity to just work on his mechanics so when he comes back he's going to feel really good about it.

"I talked to him the other night and he had just played 18 holes and the knee felt really good so it'll be interesting to see what happens. Right now the only thing in his mind is to get healthy and get his game in shape for the Masters. He says for the first time in a couple of years there's no pain in his knees and he feels really strong and he's raring to go."

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