Danny Willett’s latest bid to reverse a dreadful run has seen the 2016 Masters champion part company with his long-time coach Pete Cowen.

Sean Foley, who coached Tiger Woods and now tutors Justin Rose, started an alliance with the troubled Willett at this week’s PGA Championship. Willett had his first session with Foley on Tuesday before a practice round in the company of Rose later in the day.

Willett’s woes have become such that a final aggregate of 21 over par and last place at last week’s WGC Bridgestone Invitational was hardly a shock. That appears to have been the trigger for a coaching switch although those close to Willett have stressed there has been no row with Cowen, with whom a successful alliance brought major glory.

The Yorkshireman has slipped to 49th in the world having been inside the top 10 at the time of his stunning Augusta success. This year has seen Willett change caddie after a falling-out with his close friend Jonathan Smart, a string of poor results and withdrawals from events because of back troubles. Willett has previously stated a belief that injury flares up when his technique is poor.

Now, the 29-year-old has moved away from the hugely respected Cowen – who coaches a string of top level player including Henrik Stenson – to try to change fortunes. Foley, a Canadian who has overseen Rose’s game since 2009, coached Woods from 2010 until 2014.