Scott on a break from Harmon

• By Rex Hoggard
• Aug 14, 2009 8:30 PM ET

CHASKA, Minn. – On Day 1 at Hazeltine National Adam Scott had three three-putts and a four-putt that added up to an 82. Day 2 was only slightly better on the scorecard (79), but not the ego.

For the player who was ranked third in the world as late as last June and seen by some as Tiger Woods’ next great rival, the 91st PGA Championship may end up being rock bottom.

Particularly when news started to spread on Friday that Scott had split with longtime swing coach Butch Harmon. Turns out, the two didn’t split up, but the Australian characterized the situation as “a break.”

“We talked about it last week,” said Scott, whose 17-over 161 total was last among the Tour pros in the 156-player field. “We just said let’s have some space and talk about it at the end of the year.”

Scott’s year is quickly reaching an end. He’s 110th in FedEx Cup points and will need a solid Barclays to advance past the first round of the Playoffs. What is clear is he will do it without Harmon, who has been by his side for most of his professional career.

“I’d be lying if I said I was (close),” Scott said. “I putted so badly for two days, worst of my career. I just need to keep working on what’s right. Have to grind my way out of it.”

Harmon trimmed his stable to a high-profile few clients that includes Scott, Phil Mickelson, Stewart Cink and Nick Watney on the PGA Tour, each of whom have won this year - except for Scott.

“We just said we’d take some pressure off each other because we weren’t getting anything accomplished,” said Scott, who has missed more cuts (eight) than he has made this year (seven) and has just a single top-10 finish.