Tiger [Woods] Put Him in a Box’: Utter Disappointment Forced Greg Norman to Defend Former Caddie Amid Mistreatment Through Latter’s Autobiography
Shadows of the past linger in the golf world, where legendary rivalries and contentious clashes still simmer just below the surface. A shocking accusation from a golfing legend has resurfaced, casting a harsh light on Tiger Woods’s treatment of his former caddie, Steve Williams. And it was Greg Norman’s surprising statement that offered a unique perspective and shared insight into their relationship and Williams’ experiences.
This speaks to a deeper issue of abuse and control in their relationship. Williams, a 15-time Grand Slam champion, fired her most trusted caddie after the 2011 U.S. Open because it became clear that Williams had asked Woods’ subsequent caddie Adam Scott not to do it, despite having previously agreed to it. When Norman recalled his side of the story with Steve Williams, he fondly recalled their instant chemistry and shared values. “Steve was really stubborn, that’s what I loved about him.” There was no grey with Steve; black was black and white was white. He was determined and protective, but also a gentle giant. As a result, their working relationship blossomed, with Williams becoming an experienced cadet with the Great White Sharks. The president of LIV Golf highlighted their bond: “We became like brothers. I never had a younger brother, but he was like a little brother to me.” The kids nicknamed him Polar Bear because they would go swimming in the ocean in the middle of winter. They just loved him and grew up with him. This fond memory underscores the depth of their bond and makes Norman’s criticism of Woods’ treatment of Williams even more poignant.
Greg Norman and Williams broke up in 1989 after the golfer was fired. The reason that happened was that they personally approached and became very good friends. A few years later, Norman noticed that she had dropped Williams and made a mistake, and tried to move him several times. The Memoirs of the Australian harvest emphasize the strong connection, which he shared with the most famous caddy in the world. But Williams himself openly expressed this several times during their heartbreaking schism. For the man who was close to Tiger Woods for 12 years, their breakup in 2011 left a bitter taste. It was also a turbulent time for Woods, with accusations of infidelity and a faltering career hanging over him like a dark cloud. Nevertheless, instead of loyalty and support, Williams received a call. The inhabitant nature of suffering and dismissal is always determined to be Williams, and the spirit of partnership is strongly contrasting to the confidence that they had shared before. Williams recalled: “It was unfortunate the way Tiger fired me in 2011. He told me this on the phone. Not hearing it from him personally really bothered me. The suddenness of it, the way it was done, the fact that he was coming out of the most difficult time in his life, and the fact that I had been faithful to him for so many years, was worth some thought. Caddies get fired all the time—hey, Greg fired me in 1989—but when you have what you believe is a friendship, it’s going to leave a mark.” However, with a decade having passed since their split, it seems that the wounds have healed.
Even Tiger Woods acknowledged his presence, saying it was “awesome to have Stevie for all those years.” Share your thoughts on Greg Norman’s relationship with Steve Williams. Jatin Chauhan is a golf writer for EssentiallySports and excels at providing readers with never-before-seen insights into golf’s favorite LPGA Tour stars. From Nelly Korda to Lexi Thompson, he has covered different aspects of their games and lives.
