Ray Romano Is Haney's Next Project
The premiere of The Haney Project: Charles Barkley earlier this year was the highest-rated debut of an original series in network history. So naturally, Season 2 is on the way in 2010.
And the project next time? Ray Romano.
The comedian and actor, best-known as the star for nine seasons of Everybody Loves Raymond, says in the network's announcement of the new season:
"I'm a huge fan of The Haney Project and I’m excited to take on a new challenge. I followed Charles' progress week in and out during the first season and I realized that Hank Haney was the guy who could finally get me to the next level in my golf game. I've tried many ways to improve over the years, and I thought, ‘why not work with the best coach around?’ I told my wife about the project, and while she doesn't know anything about golf, she does like the idea that after 21 years it’s someone else's job to try and fix me."
Romano won't be nearly as big a project for Haney as Barkley was. Barkley's golf swing going in was one of the worst the golf world has ever seen. Romano often shoots in the 80s and is a 13-handicap. He's an avowed golf nut, and he has to be to undertake the rigorous, exhausting program that Haney will put him through.
Romano's former costar, Brad Garrett, once said of Ray's golf obsession: "I love Ray. He's had 12 lessons with (David) Leadbetter, and he's squeaking out a 98. I never heard him curse in nine years on the set. But on the golf course he says things about his mom ... and she's one of the loveliest ladies you've ever met."
I'm not entirely sure how Haney's efforts to help Barkley turned out. Somebody help me out here, because I didn't watch past the fifth or sixth episode. Barkley's swing, in practice sessions, showed remarkable improvement under Haney. My impression, however, is that Barkley was never (and still hasn't been) able to take that swing onto the golf course. True or false? Post in comments if you watched.
The Ray Romano season of The Haney Project is set for a premiere in the Spring of 2010.
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Comments
I watched some of the later segments and he still pulled that quirtky swing which I truly feel is intentional. No normal downswing has a “pause” in it; otherwise it would not be called a swing!
I watched the whole season. I don’t think it is intentional, it is definetly in his head. Remember he was about an 8 handicap. Everyone was pulling for him to conquer his fear. I can just imagine the humiliation he felt having America watching him not succeed. It will be interesting to see how Hank will teach a normal swing like Romano.
I think you are right 67, it is real and in his head. He can even start out a round fine and be swing stopping by #6. All sports have a mental factor and I believe it is as pronounced in golf as it is in any other sport, by a long shot. Yesterday I had an opportunity to break a barrier (99, 89, 79, Par – it isn’t important which!!!) and 3-Jacked 16, missed a 5 footer on 17 and had a penalty on 18. I did get up and down from the drop to match my best “to par” score and lower my best ever, but nonetheless this barrier was in my head. Now all the extra pressure Barkley feels being a celebrity and being on TV, I can see it being a problem. Plus, based on his personality and demons, I bet he has a few more voices running amuck in his head than most. The pressure the PGA players deal with is astonishing to me.
I would like for Hank to take me and fix my game.I love the game but I can’t afford lessons.Hank please help fix my game so I can be competitive when I play with the guys.Seems like I am always the only female in the group and they game is better than mine.Hank please help this 50 year old lady.