Tiger Woods’ Caddie ‘Disappointed’ By Firing

It was bombshell news in the sports world from Tiger Woods: He announced he was essentially firing his caddie of 13 years, part-time Sunriver resident Steve Williams.

What most people didn’t know until Wednesday was that Williams kept quiet about what he calls the “shocking” decision for two weeks, after Tiger first told him at the AT&T National tournament.

NewsChannel 21 talked exclusively with Williams Wednesday evening at his home.

He said he was very disappointed with the timing of his firing, not the firing itself.

“I’m a big stickler for loyalty,” Williams said. “I stuck with Tiger in his difficult period, and a lot of people thought I should have left his side when things weren’t going the way they should be going.”

Arguably the most famous caddie in the world, the 47-year-old New Zealand native is trying to look to the future after the big announcement from his now-former boss.

In a statement released Wednesday, Tiger said:

“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 caddie and a friend and has been instrumental in many of my accomplishments. I wish him great success in the future.”

Williams took over as Woods’ caddie in 1999, and helped Tiger win 13 of his 14 major titles.

But in 2009, when it blew up that Tiger had multiple mistresses and trouble at home, things also got hard for Williams, who chose to stick with him.

“The last 18 months have been very difficult for myself and my family, to have battled through this scandal, the swing change, the new coach,” Williams said, shaking his head.

“Then to be let go through this period when I’ve stuck with him through thick and thin and I’ve been incredibly loyal to the guy, that’s what I find disappointing.”

It was tough to stay with Tiger. Many wondered why he did.

Williams’ wife is very close with Tiger’s ex, Elin Nordegren.

“I told him (Tiger) when I first met up with him in 2010, at Augusta, that he had to earn my respect back,” Williams explained. “He was aware of that, and he would know right now I’ve lost a tremendous amount of respect for him, especially after what’s just transpired. Through time, I hope he can gain my respect back.”

Williams’ career as caddie for the most famous golfer in the world wasn’t easy, by any stretch, he says.

For example, he’s had run-ins with fans who snapped pictures of Tiger during his swing.

“At the height of him playing his very best, there’s an incredible amount of media interest, unruly fans that were following him,” Williams said. “It was more than a typical caddie’s job for awhile, it wasn’t easy.”

Williams wouldn’t reveal the reason Tiger gave for firing him, just saying it was between them.

A caddie since he was 15, he says he’ll now stick with Australian Adam Scott, who he worked with for three weeks during the U.S. Open.

“I’ve been very fortunate to be with Tiger and see some great golf,” Williams said. “He’s arguably one of the greatest, if not THE greatest ever to play this game, from that standpoint, so I’m very fortunate.”

As far as what he’ll do in the future, Williams says he’ll continue to race cars for fun in his native New Zealand. He says he and his wife and son love Central Oregon and spend about five or six weeks here for vacation. He doesn’t golf Sunriver’s courses, but his son is learning to play here on his summer break, and is getting quite good.

“I probably love caddying more than playing golf myself, but fortunately I’ve done well. Caddying is something I love, and I’m going to carry on.”