Tiger Woods urged to 'climb a mountain' & 'find a magical guru'

Tiger Woods has lost the "desire and energy" to "climb back up the mountain" and rediscover his best form as a golfer, his former swing coach says.

Woods, 39, announced an indefinite break from the game this week.

Hank Haney, who spent six years with the 14-time major champion, told BBC Radio 5 live that Woods had "no choice" but to withdraw from competitive golf. "Whatever the reason, he definitely has not practised like he did earlier in his career - and it shows," Haney said.

"Make no mistake about it, this is not a bump, this is not a hill... this is a mountain he has to climb to get anywhere near back to where he was.

"Has he lost the desire and energy? I don't think there is any doubt. Who knows when we'll see him again?"

Haney said injuries and having two young children had impacted on Woods.

He also claimed "big, big issues" in the former world number one's game meant the decision to take time out was "pretty predictable". BBC golf commentator Peter Alliss believes Woods needs "a guru" to rediscover his magic on the course.