PGA Tour star Max Homa has confirmed that he has split up with his swing coach on the eve of the Presidents Cup. Homa is playing for Team USA despite his recent poor form after being handed one of six captain’s picks by Jim Furyk.
The 33-year-old has tumbled down the world rankings over the last few months, having failed to secure a top 10 finish in any of his last 10 events. As a result, he has decided to make a change by parting ways with long-term swing coach Mark Blackburn.
Homa confirmed the news ahead of the Presidents Cup, saying: “It’s just a tough year [and it is] time for a change. It’s unfortunate. I love Mark, he’s basically a part of my family. He’s just been an amazing human being.
“At times, the communication gets hard. I think everyone in here has gone through that at some point. It’s one of those things, more for me. I need a break.
“Sometimes I don’t do a great job of taking ownership of my own golf swing so kind of putting the ball in my court a bit, and you know, trying to figure it out myself.
“As much as a coach can be brilliant, a genius like Mark, I know my golf swing better than anybody, and I can see it and feel it. Just trying to take some ownership like that.”
Homa teamed up with Blackburn after the US Open four years ago and won a PGA Tour title under the guidance of his coach last year. He is yet to appoint a replacement, meaning he will go into the Presidents Cup without an expert pair of eyes to help his swing.
His caddie, Joe Greiner, will step up to offer advice in Quebec this week with Homa confident that he can play his best game and help Team USA to victory.
Furyk believes Homa, who is sitting out of Thursday’s opening session alongside last year’s Open champion Brian Harman, will be an important asset to the team in spite of his muted form.
“I have a lot of confidence in his game,” said Furyk after Team USA’s picks were announced. “I have a lot of confidence in what he brings to our team, not only from a playing standpoint but in the team room as well. You’re going to see him play a lot of golf this week.”