Woods gives his coach Harmon a break

TIGER WOODS has asked coach Butch Harmon to take more of a back-seat role in his career.

After finishing as a runner-up in a major for the first time at the US PGA championship Woods said: ''My relationship with Butch has changed.

''As you get a little bit better and you understand your own mechanics and your game you don't rely on a teacher quite as often.

''That's what has transpired with me. I still need Butch, but not as much as I used to because I've a better understanding of the faults that I have and how to fix them.

''Ball flight never lies. I know what the cure is for a lot of my faults that I have while I'm playing and that's the whole idea, but Butch has a great eye for the swing, there's no denying that.''

Woods and Harmon have won eight major titles together starting with the 1997 Masters, Woods' first major as a professional. But for Rich Beem yesterday, the 26-year-old would already be halfway towards the Jack Nicklaus record of 18 major crowns.

Nicklaus had 19 second places en route to that total, but Woods did not enjoy his first taste of that experience.

''It's frustrating and disappointing any time you finish second in any tournament (he has done that 15 times). But it's kind of a double-edged sword because, while I'm frustrated, I made the mistakes on 13 (three putts from 12 feet) and 14 (a tee shot into the rough), I'm also pumped up at the way I finished.''

Woods birdied the last four holes, but, with Beem not cracking, he still finished one behind.

Harmon will not be standing idly by as Woods continues his quest.

He works with a number of other players, including Justin Leonard, who after taking a three-stroke lead into the final round at Hazeltine National slumped to a 77 and joint fourth place.