Caddie Williams denies ‘split’ rumours

Steve says speculation he and world No.1 are to part company is unfounded

Steve Williams has insisted that his job as Tiger Woods’ caddie is secure, despite continuing speculation that the pair are to split.

Williams’ job was believed to have been under threat on the back of a so far winless season for the scandal-hit Woods and rumours have been rife that the pair’s relationship has become strained since the world No.1’s extra-marital affairs were exposed.

New Zealander Williams has frequently been forced to defend himself against accusations that he was aware of Woods’ infidelity – something that Woods himself has never clarified – whilst sources in the United States have speculated that Williams’ wife, a close friend of Tiger’s estranged wife Elin, has urged her husband to call time on his 11-year association with the golfer.

The pair have also seemed noticeably distant towards one another at times this year in the event’s that Tiger has played and Williams drew criticism from certain sections of the Woods’ camp ahead of this year’s Open Championship in St Andrews where he described Tiger’s putting as beig “sub-standard”.

However, following a resilient performance at the US PGA Championship, where Woods’ game showed signs of improvement, Williams insisted that there is no truth at all in the rumours that he will soon leave Woods’ employ.

“I’m sure if there was going to be some sort of parting of the ways, I’d be the first to know,” said the Kiwi. “From my point of view, I don’t see any chance of that happening.

“People speculate. He’s not playing well and his results aren’t what we’re used to.

“Tiger and I are very good friends and we’ve been through a tough time, there’s no question about that.

“I’m fully supportive of the guy and he’s been great through this whole situation with me.”

Williams also said that he expects Woods to rediscover his form before too long.

“At the end of the day, Tiger Woods is Tiger Woods,” said Williams. “He’s won 14 majors and 71 PGA Tour events. Regardless of what’s gone on, you can’t take that away from the guy.

“Tiger knows how to win and people know that he knows how to win. When he gets back in the situation where he’s playing well again and he’s in contention to win, he’ll get the job done.”

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