Williams won’t stand for Tiger criticism

Tiger Woods’ caddy Steve Williams says he will not allow hecklers to derail the World No.1’s return to professional golf – whenever that may be.

Despite widespread approval after admitting he had cheated on wife Elin, it’s expected that Woods will face a mixed reception back on the course, which Williams made clear would not be tolerated.

“Nothing changes,” said the Australian, who has carried Woods’ clubs since 1999. “There are always going to be people who are going to knock you.

“My job is to give him the best information I can and get him round in the fewest possible strokes. And as I have always pointed out, it is to try and give him a level playing field.

“I won’t do anything differently,” Williams added. “I will do the utmost best to be as professional as I can.”

Speaking publically for the first time in three months during his globally televised statement, Woods said he was not yet ready to return to competitive golf and will instead concentrate on counselling – although he went on to say: “I don’t rule out that it will be these year.”

Williams also suggested that we may be seeing the 34-year-old back playing in 2010, saying: “As Tiger pointed out in his statement, he has one more visit to the place where he is receiving counselling.

“The I would imagine his focus might change a little bit from then. Hopefully, it will be his final visit to the place he is receiving treatment and then his focus might turn back to his professional life, which is playing golf.”

Bryce Ritchie is the Editor of bunkered and, in addition to leading on content and strategy, oversees all aspects of the brand. The first full-time journalist employed by bunkered, he joined the company in 2001 and has been editor since 2009. A member of Balfron Golfing Society, he currently plays off nine and once got a lesson from Justin Thomas’ dad.

Editor of bunkered