After many years as caddie to former world No.1 Tiger Woods, Steve Williams has parted ways with the fallen golf star and will now work with
Australian Adam Scott.
The collaboration between Woods and Williams started in 1999, and its conclusion raises further questions about Woods’s capability to return to the pinnacle of golf.
Currently sidelined with an injured left leg, Woods announced the news on his official website.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to Stevie for all his help, but I think it’s time for a change,” Woods stated.
He added, “Stevie is an outstanding caddie and a friend and has played a key role in many of my successes. I wish him great success in the future.”
At 35 years old, Woods mentioned he has not yet selected a successor for his caddie position while he continues to focus on his recovery and has not determined when he will return to the PGA Tour.
Having missed last week’s British Open at Sandwich due to knee and Achilles injuries, Woods had also skipped the US Open the previous month.
Williams noted that the separation occurred following this month’s PGA Tour event in Pennsylvania.
“He informed me that he needed to make a change,” Williams explained.
“After 13 years of loyal service, needless to say this came as a shock.”
Before Woods’s admission of a series of sexual indiscretions in late 2009, Williams and Woods were perceived as inseparable.
Since then, Woods has faced a divorce from his wife and continued injury issues.
Expressing his feelings about the partnership’s conclusion, Williams said he was “very disappointed.”
Recently caddying for Australian Adam Scott, this will transition into a full-time role.
“I have had the opportunity to work of late for Australian Adam Scott and will now caddie for him on a permanent basis,” stated Williams.
“Having started my caddying career with Australian great Peter Thompson and working for Greg Norman in the 1980s, I am excited about the future working for another Australian.”
by Buford Balony
