GOLF:STEVE WILLIAMS was "shocked and disappointed" to find out former world number one Tiger Woods no longer wants him as a caddie after a working relationship dating back to March 1999.
Woods, currently sidelined with a knee and Achilles’ injury which kept him of the US Open and last week’s British Open, made the announcement on his website.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to Stevie for all his help, but I think it’s time for a change,” said Woods on tigerwoods.com.
“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 appeared somewhat taken aback by the decision and issued a statement through his own website, KiwiCaddy.co.nz.
“Following the completion of the ATT 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,” said Williams.
“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 80s, I am excited about the future working for another Australian,” added the New Zealander.
Woods (35), who has won 14 Majors, also said he has not yet decided on a replacement as he continues his recovery from injuries to his left leg and has not made a decision on when he plans to return to competitive action.
Woods has slipped to 20th in the world during his period of inactivity and has not won a tournament since the Australian Masters in November 2009.
Meanwhile, world number one Luke Donald will seek to repair his damaged pride at the Canadian Open after failing to live up to his ranking last week.
The 33-year-old went into the British Open as second-favourite, having just won in Scotland to strengthen his position in the rankings.
However, the Englishman crashed out on Friday after bogeying the last four holes, missing the cut and seeing his major drought extended further.
Donald will be joined by a number of players who were also competing at Sandwich, including fifth-placed finishers Chad Campbell, Anthony Kim and Rickie Fowler, while 2009 US Open winner Lucas Glover and reigning US Masters champion Charl Schwartzel also made the trip.
