One of the most successful player-caddie partnership in the golfing world had just ended with the separation of Tiger Woods and Caddie Steve Williams. The two had kept the news private until Wednesday, July 20, 2011 (US Time) when Tiger Woods admitted that they will be no longer work together.
The statement of Tiger Woods was posted on his official website. He was quoted as saying “I want to express my deepest gratitude to Steve for all his help, but I think it’s time for a change.” Woods said. He adds further that “Steve is an outstanding caddie and a friend and has been instrumental in many of my accomplishments. I wish him great success in the future.” Tiger Woods stated on his website.
Steve Williams responded to Tiger Woods by releasing a statement on his official website. The statement was quoted as “Following the completion of the AT&T National, I am no longer caddying from Tiger after he informed me that he needed to make a change.” Williams stated.
Williams further adds that “After 13 years of loyal service needless to say this came as a shock. Given the circumstances of the past 18 months working through Tiger’s scandal, a new coach and with it a major swing change and Tiger battling through injuries. I am very disappointed to end our very successful partnership at this time.” said Williams.
Steve Williams came from Wellington, New Zealand and served as a caddie to Tiger Woods from 1999-2011 during the peak of Tiger Woods career. Williams had started caddying for Australian great Peter Thomson. At an early age of 26 he had already travelled to Europe as a caddy.
Steve Williams have also caddied Australian Ian-Baker-Finch, Greg Norman and Raymond Floyd. Opportunity came to Williams when Butch Harmon, Woods coach approached him and asked if would be interested in caddying for Tiger Woods. Williams was interviewed by Woods after Coach Harmon asked permission from Raymond Floyd. He was hired on the spot, for Woods had just fired his original tour caddy Mike “Fluff” Cowan.
Caddie Steve Williams and golfer Tiger Woods have achieved a remarkable and record-breaking 72 times won around the world with 13 Majors. No other caddie have ever experienced so many grand slam moments than Steve Williams.