Why Did Tiger Woods Fire Steve Williams?
By Steve Kinsman, 29th Jul 2011 | Follow this author
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Posted in WikinutNewsSport
We make an attempt here to figure out the reasons for Tiger Woods firing his long-time caddy, Steve Williams
"You're fired."
I've decided to turn gossip columnist for a day to discuss the news that Tiger Woods has fired Steve Williams, who has caddied for Tiger during the last dozen years and has been on his bag through thirteen major championship victories and a total of seventy-two tournament wins.
Woods wrote on his web site..."I want to express my deepest gratitude to Stevie for all his help, but I think it's time for a change. Stevie is an outstanding caddy and a friend, and has been instrumental in many of my accomplishments. I wish him great success in the future."
On his website, Williams wrote "Needless to say, I'm shocked," and later he told the Associated Press: "A player has a right to fire a caddy at any given time, and for a player when he's not playing his best for an extended period of time, it's not uncommon to change caddies, coaches, psychologists or bring on a psychologist. I have no problem being fired. But I'm disappointed in the timing of it."
Hank Haney, Woods' swing coach in years past before he was fired by Woods in favor of Sean Foley, reacted to AP: "I'm shocked. Steve is the best caddy I've ever seen. I can't believe that he got fired."
After the scandal
After the scandal broke regarding Tiger's serial adultery, resulting in the breakup of his marriage, his relationship with Williams began to change. Williams said Tiger didn't contact him for months afterwards. In the meantime, Williams, interviewed on New Zealand television, said "I, along with a lot of other people, lost a lot of respect for Tiger, and I pointed out to Tiger well before his return at the Masters at Augusta in 2010 that he had to earn back my respect. Through time I hope he can earn my respect back, that's for sure."
Williams and Tiger both proposed to their wives at virtually the same time, and they were in each other's wedding. Their wives also became very good friends, and Williams' wife was said to be extremely upset with Tiger's behavior when she learned of it.
Insiders began to take note that Williams' relationship with Tiger, after Tiger rejoined the PGA Tour, was not as warm as before, with little of their former friendly banter taking place on the golf course. It seemed to observers that now it was all business, and nothing else.
Tiger won a total of 88 million dollars with Steve on his bag. With Williams' cut being ten percent of Tiger's winnings, he became a rich man in his own right. In New Zealand he has the status of a superstar. In fact, when New Zealander Michael Allen won the U. S. Open a few years back, a commentator asked him "Will you now be the most famous person in New Zealand?" "Heck, no," Allen replied, "Steve Williams is the most famous person in New Zealand."
Links:
The Horoscope of Tiger Woods
The Ten Greatest Golfers of All Time
Preview photo: palmbeachpost. com
Other photo: globalgrind.com
Comments
30th Jul 2011 (#)
:-)
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30th Jul 2011 (#)
Glad you touched on the element that has become important here in New Zealand, that Williams and his wife continue their friendship with Tiger's ex wife. Steve Williams will no doubt be snapped up in good time.
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30th Jul 2011 (#)
Thanks for commenting Val. Steve has announced he will now be caddying for Adam Scott, the Aussie golfer, full time.
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30th Jul 2011 (#)
Had not heard this... it sounds like Williams is the sort of man Tiger could use having around as an influence, to bad tiger has not figured that out yet.
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30th Jul 2011 (#)
You're right about that Delicia. Thanks for commenting.
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30th Jul 2011 (#)
Thanks for the share, Steve. I didn't know that.
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30th Jul 2011 (#)
Your welcome Buzz. Thank you.
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30th Jul 2011 (#)
great share Steve...Tiger Wood's infidelity news indeed shocked me...
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30th Jul 2011 (#)
It shocked me too. good for Elin for dumping him.
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30th Jul 2011 (#)
I think when people get caught up in all the lovely vanities of the world there is no room for honor. Men became lords of themselves. Great article Steve something i did not know.
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30th Jul 2011 (#)
when i say men i mean all human beings **
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30th Jul 2011 (#)
Thank you Crystal. I agree with you.
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30th Jul 2011 (#)
Thank you Steve for sharing this my friend..
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30th Jul 2011 (#)
Thank you Songbird my friend.
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1st Aug 2011 (#)
You know he will be picked up soon. He is like no other caddy, I remember in my life time. I agree, he should keep him around, if for nothing else, than to show him how to be a man. But, we all know he is great at his craft. Well written. Thank you for sharing.:)
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1st Aug 2011 (#)
I can remember*
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1st Aug 2011 (#)
He's been hired by Adam Scott, the superb Australian golfer. Thanks for commenting, Denise.
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1st Aug 2011 (#)
Well, good for him Steve. That is nice to know. You are most welcome.:)
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1st Aug 2011 (#)
Thank you again Denise. He and Adam Scott will be a very good fit.
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2nd Aug 2011 (#)
I don't think we will ever really know why Tiger fired Steve Williams. Thanks for sharing this, Steve. xoxo
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5th Aug 2011 (#)
As far as golf, Tiger is too big for golf. Tiger is into "Tiger", he's a good golfer, but not a great golfer. A great golfer is the like of Bobby Jones, Sam Snead, Jack, Arnie and Gary. And the likes of those type of people, who put the game and fans first. The "Tigers" will always put themselves first. And although some people will idolize them, they will always be second rate self destructive hacks. It does'nt take someone to win alot of golf tournaments or any other sporting event. It takes character to win the accolades of greatness. It takes self awareness, humbleness, and love of the game and the people, to be a great player and person. Good on Steve and Adam, they will win many tournaments, but my advice to them is to remember the roots of the game of golf. And they will achieve greatness.
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5th Aug 2011 (#)
Excellent points Tom. Thanks for commenting.
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23rd Jan 2013 (#)
Hi, I came across this article a bit late but who is Michael Allen? I think you mean Michael Campbell, NZer and winner of the 2005 US Open.
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30th Jan 2013 (#)
You're right Jax - I goofed. I should have said Michael Campbell. Thanks for setting me straight.
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