Steve Williams: Tiger Woods drops longtime caddie

Tiger Woods is no longer just dropping tournament. He’s dropping his longtime caddy, Steve Williams, as well.

Woods announced via his website that he and Williams would be parting ways effective immediately — beginning when Woods returns to action from an injured left leg.

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to Stevie for all his help, but I think it’s time for a change,” Woods said. “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 has been caddying for Woods since 1999, when he took over for Mike “Fluff” Cowan. Woods met Williams through his then-swing coach Butch Harmon.

Williams released his own statement on his website:

“Following the completion of the AT&T National I am no longer
caddying for Tiger after he informed me that he needed to make a change.
After 13 years of loyal service needless to say this came as a shock.
Given the circumstances of the past 18 months working through Tiger’s
scandal, a new coach and with it a major swing change and Tiger battling
through injuries I am very disappointed to end our very successful
partnership at this time. I have had the opportunity to work of late for
Australian Adam Scott and will now caddy for him on a permanent basis.
Having started my caddying career with Australian great Peter Thompson
and working for Greg Norman in the 80′s I am excited about the future
working for another Australian.”

Williams caddied for Adam Scott at last month’s U.S. Open. When asked if he would still be Woods’ caddy when the injured golfer returned, Williams responded “Why would you ask a question like that?” He gave no further comment, but the Associated Press reports Woods actually met with Williams at the AT&T National two weeks ago and told Williams they would no longer work together.

Williams was the caddy for Woods in 63 of his 71 PGA tournament victories, beginning with the 1999 Memorial up to his last victory at the 2009 BMW Championship. He was also on his bag for all but his first (1997 Masters) of 14 major victories.

Woods has not named a replacement.