Steve Williams, who had previously defamed Tiger Woods’s major wins in the past, has now accused the media of twisting his statements about Tiger Woods

Regardless of your beliefs, it is evident that Steve Williams does not hold any animosity towards Tiger Woods. As a witness to many of Woods’s most triumphant years in the sport, Williams served as his caddie for 72 out of the 85 tournaments where he achieved victory and also contributed to all but two of Woods’s fifteen major championships on record.

It wouldn’t be unexpected if there was a tinge of resentment in Williams’ soul after he was abruptly dismissed by Woods following his marital issues. “Even today, I struggle to accept that,” expressed the veteran caddy as recently as 2021. However, during a conversation with New Zealand radio presenter Dom Harvey, he argues that commentators intentionally misconstrued his remarks concerning Adam Scott’s WGC-Bridgestone and the Masters victory in 2013.

The air is cleared by Steve Williams.

According to Williams, the response was an impulsive one that arose in the midst of heightened emotions. Adam Scott’s win at the 2013 Masters held a remarkable importance as he became Australia’s first ever champion at Augusta. Recalling his outburst, Williams explained how it materialized “in that specific instant – amid all the hype and elation surrounding winning the prestigious tournament”, particularly now knowing they had achieved this historic feat for their country. (Note: The essence remains similar but rephrased with more complex sentences.)

Williams was aware of the significance for both Australia and the entire continent. Almost two decades earlier, an Australian had been in a commanding six-shot lead over a British player going into the last round at Augusta. However, this hopeful moment turned tragic with Nick Faldo’s five-stroke comeback victory which overshadowed Greg Norman’s previous successes and brought sorrow to all Australians’ hearts.

It should not be overlooked that Williams worked as a caddie for the legendary Greg Norman during his formative years. The experienced bag carrier stressed, “I have had the privilege of serving on Greg Norman’s team multiple times. It was a devastating loss at Augusta and now Australians have claimed victory in that tournament. I am fully aware of what this accomplishment signifies.”

Williams revisited his remarks during the 2011 WGC Bridgestone tournament, which he coincidentally won with Scott. He declared it as “the greatest triumph of my career”, a statement that garnered much attention especially since it occurred following his separation from Tiger Woods only several months prior. Many took this victory as Williams’ response to his previous employer.

The veteran caddie noted in his biography that it was not always pleasant to work with the 82-time PGA Tour winner. He recalled instances when Tiger Woods would fling a club and demand him to retrieve it, leaving him feeling uneasy about acting like a slave picking up after Woods’s mess.

The Kiwi loop’s reaction was exaggerated, but did he feel annoyed about it? The experienced caddie simply shrugged. “You know how the media likes to add their own spin on things. But that’s just how it is,” he said. In fact, Williams praised Woods for fulfilling a unique obligation with his actions.

Williams extended an invitation to Tiger Woods for a trip to his homeland during the “Open.”

Whenever Williams worked as a caddy in the United States, he had an important condition. He firmly believed that any golfer who wins two major tournaments must also participate in the New Zealand Open. After Woods parted ways with his previous caddy Mike “Fluff” Cowan and hired Williams, he presented this proposition to Woods for consideration.

In 2002, Woods visited Williams’ hometown golf club in Paraparaumu. According to Williams, after winning a major tournament, Woods immediately expressed his interest in playing at the New Zealand Open. Despite encountering difficult weather conditions on waterlogged greens during the event, Woods managed to secure sixth place amongst other players. Although not successful in claiming victory this time around, Williams is impressed and grateful that he kept his word and participated in the tournament as promised.