Associated Press
Thursday, August 10

AYLMER, Quebec -- Se Ri Pak says she has dropped coach Butch Harmon because he's too busy with his other pupil, Tiger Woods.

Pak, who has yet to win on the LPGA Tour this year, said Thursday that she and Harmon -- mostly Harmon -- are too busy to get together except for "maybe three times" on "one or two days" a few months ago.

After shooting a 3-under 69 during the first round of the du Maurier Classic, Pak said it is impossible to coordinate her schedule, Harmon's and Woods' to create time for her and Harmon to work together. Harmon has been Woods' teacher for more than seven years and has been known to drop everything and fly to where his star pupil is if Woods' swing needs special attention.

"I think they are getting together a long time," Pak said. "I know that he's more important, because he's Tiger. ... So I decided, actually, I don't think it's going to work that well."

Following the du Maurier, Pak said, "I think I've got to find a coach after this week."

"So this is my last week for being by myself in practice," Pak said.

She gave no hint as to who she might hire.

Pak and David Leadbetter ended their relationship in late 1998, with Leadbetter complaining of being a "tennis ball" because of his "on again, off again, on again, off again" status coaching Pak.

Pak has not won on tour this year and is 14th on the money list after finishing second in 1998 and third in 1999.

Harmon's other clients include Darren Clarke and Mark Calcavecchia.