Mickelson parts ways with swing coach: 'I need to hear new ideas'

Phil Mickelson has parted with his swing coach, Butch Harmon.

The man known as "Lefty" released a statement to Golf.com:

I've learned a great deal from him in our eight years together. It's just that at the moment I need to hear new ideas from a different perspective. Butch is one of the great teachers in the history of the game and I believe he deserves to be in the World Golf Hall of Fame.

Mickelson's last victory was The Open in 2013. He and Harmon worked together since 2007, winning 12 tournaments.

The parting was an amicable one. Harmon said in a statement:

I've thoroughly enjoyed working with Phil and we've had great success together. Helping him win the Open Championship in 2013 was one of the pinnacles of my career. I see nothing wrong with him seeking advice from another source. We're great friends and always will be.

Mickelson's currently ranked 25th in the world. The 45-year-old carded only three top-10 finishes in 2015, earning over $2.1 million.