Woods dumps major-winning caddie
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Twelve years and 13 majors together were not enough to stop Tiger Woods announcing today that he and bagman Steve Williams have ended their partnership.
A statement on the former world number 1’s website gave the reason as “it’s time for a change.” Woods then went on to thank Williams for his assistance and wish him well in the future.
Not only partners on the course, Williams and Woods had been close
friends. Both got engaged while on vacation in South Africa and
subsequently attended each other’s weddings. At William’s personal
request Woods also attended the 2002 New Zealand Open, in his caddy’s
home country.
The upheaval in Woods’ personal life over the last 20 months has been
known to cause a great deal of strain in the relationship between the
two. Woods himself has been going through a series of transitions. The
world’s current number 20 has lost sponsors, his wife, his form, and now
the man who has been with him for the majority of his PGA Tour career.
The player, who is convalescing at home as he struggles with injuries to his left Achilles tendon and knee, did not suggest who would replace New Zealander Williams, or when he would return to golf.
Williams who has been temporarily caddying for Australian Adam Scott in the last three tournaments – including the U.S. Open and British Open – issued a statement on his own website expressing his surprise.
“Needless to say, this came as a shock,” he said. “"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."
Williams stated that he will now continue to caddy for Scott on a more permanent basis.
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