Steve Williams: Great caddie, better storyteller
In 2025, when some scribe sits down to write the definitive Tiger Woods biography, I know who the main source will be: Woods’s caddie Steve Williams.
Articles and TV pieces about Woods understandably tend toward mythology and hagiography. For example, a recent magazine profile of Woods contains this quote: “The best golfer ever, for sure. One of the greatest athletes in any game, ever. One of the great humans at anything, ever.” That’s why hearing Williams talk about his boss is a great corrective. Woods, as Williams tells it, is a great golfer and tremendously dedicated, sure, but also funny and a little profane, in short, a real person.
On hiatus since Woods’s knee surgery in June, Williams has been in his native New Zealand, spending time with his family, racing cars and raising money for his charity. Reporter Murray Hills of New Zealand's The Taranaki Daily News caught up with Williams at a charity event and heard some great stories about Woods’s U.S. Open win at Torrey Pines and the famously frosty relationship between Woods and Phil Mickelson.
"Tiger had no right to win at Torrey Pines. He was told not to play. He had only two words to say about that f... y.., I'm winning that tournament.
"It was a phenomenal feat to get around in the condition he was in and win. Every day, he would get back to the motel and just collapse. He really wanted to win that tournament. I knew if he teed up on the first hole, he would get to 18."
Williams’s story about Mickelson is even better.
The pair were duelling for the lead in the third round. Tiger waved to a packed grandstand seating 5,000 people that bordered the 17th fairway. The crowd responded.
As a hush fell back over the crowd, a fan yelled out "Phil." No response from Mickelson. Again the fan yelled out "Phil." Again no response. The fan changed tack. "Hey, Mr. Mickelson."
When Mickelson turned and waved, the fan yelled out "Nice tits." The crowd erupted in laughter; Mickelson went double bogey, bogey and his tournament was over.
And Williams on Mickelson?
"I wouldn't call Mickelson a great player ... 'cause I hate the prick."
We better enjoy all this candor and humor from Williams while we can. Once he rejoins Team Tiger he'll have more important things to do than entertain us.
Posted by: JOhn | Dec 16, 2008 7:14:30 AM
OMG...who really cares anyway. The fact that 99.999% of the people commenting here have never met or had any contact with Phil,Tiger or Steve Williams makes my piont. How the hell would anyone know what Phil is really like,Besides everyone is entitled to their opinion.Get a life you morons.
Posted by: bill t | Dec 16, 2008 6:05:53 AM
Three rules of caddying:
1. Show up
2. Shut up
3. Keep up
Look's like Steve forgot Rule # 2, I hope Tiger reminds him of it.
Bring back Fluff!!!
Posted by: james black | Dec 16, 2008 1:17:54 AM
I'm not a huge golf fan, but I did have the pleasure of living in New Zealand for 5 years. The truth about Steve Williams is that he is like many Kiwis - blunt, honest and irreverent.
People there, respect you when you don't beat around the bush. They also insist that you work hard to the best of your abilities and get on with things. They have little time for pretense or false fronts and Williams appears to have hit the nail on the head with Mickelson.
Golf is filled with old boy networks, country club attitudes and backroom deals. The whole golf establishment needs some more Kiwi candor.
It is true that people should follow the rules of play on the course and be respectful to their opponents while competing. That doesn't preclude the players and caddies from speaking their minds off the course.
True respect includes honesty. Smiling to someone's face and slagging them when they leave is wrong. Williams' honest perspective is rare in golf.
The golf world needs more, not less of it.
Posted by: Chuck | Dec 15, 2008 10:22:10 PM
As others have already pointed out, the "tits" story as reportedly told by Williams is a lie; a "complete fabrication" as Mickelson has now said. A joke, Stevie? Some "joke."
All of which makes Williams look like the world's biggest jerk, or one of the more psychotic people in the game of golf.
I really don't care about Williams, but Woods' protection of Williams does not look good for Woods.
Posted by: BWalsh | Dec 15, 2008 7:37:53 PM
Funny how you never heard this type of thing from any of Watson, Nicklaus or Palmer's caddies.
Posted by: BCrdza | Dec 15, 2008 7:32:26 PM
Oh, so Mr. Smash your camera thinks it's funny to heckle players now. I don't think he'd be telling this story if someone had yelled "Baldy"! at Tiger!
Posted by: Vance Lucky | Dec 15, 2008 7:25:09 PM
No way in the world Tiger waved to the fans. He never makes eye contact with the gallery or signs autographs at tournaments. So besides being classless, this guy Williams is a liar. Tiger should fire him if he cares about his image.
Posted by: JVL | Dec 15, 2008 5:33:02 PM
Stevie "no class" Williams should look in the mirror. There he will see his insult staring back at him. The fans should boo him all season long, until his boss fires him for the distractions.
Posted by: Mike W. | Dec 15, 2008 5:16:53 PM
So what - if my friend makes some insane putt that's exactly what I call him! Cmon SNL - do a remake of the old skit from Seinfeld and have Mickelson getting a "man-zere" - hilarious!
Posted by: Charles RICHARDSON | Dec 15, 2008 4:06:06 PM
So what if Phil, is a nice that dosent mean nothing so just get over it,go and do something more important,beside trying to defend,Phil he dont care about that stuff.get a life
Posted by: FSfan | Dec 15, 2008 9:31:01 AM
How is it cowardly for Stevie to call phil a name? It seems to me it would be cowardly for him to think phil was a pr*ck and say it behind his back all the time and not say it publicly. I respect Stevie for being honest and man enough to say it. I promise you that he would say it to Phils face to. At least Stevie is being a man and saying what he thinks and not a passive aggressive back stabbing d-bag like most people.
Posted by: Bob | Dec 15, 2008 9:28:27 AM
Phil might sign autographs for kids, but only to put on the show of the "good guy". Phil is a great actor.
Posted by: JR | Dec 15, 2008 12:43:46 AM
Let me get this right. A guy who makes over a million a year lugging golf clubs around for a living says some unkind things and we are suppose to care...If he was sober when he said it no one would have paid any attention except for the fact he works for Tiger, Anyway he has big feet and funny lips
Posted by: Peter | Dec 15, 2008 12:23:42 AM
To all the posters here who have gone on about how so many tour players hate Phil....you seem to be conveniently forgetting that Tiger is hated by many as well.
Steve's comments are cowardly and unwarranted. And for the record, I have read more than once that Williams is not well liked by most other caddies. Oh, the irony!
Posted by: HAHAHAHAH | Dec 15, 2008 12:12:14 AM
Lol its about time Phil Mickelson got publically noticed for having man tits...oo thats great...made me laugh
Posted by: DarthVokey | Dec 14, 2008 9:46:51 PM
There's only two ways to settle this; Bones and Williams mano-a-mano.
Or an apology.
Posted by: bob | Dec 14, 2008 8:47:11 PM
That's why Steve carry's the bag. And Phil stays around at most tourney's to sign autographs for Kid's. I've been to a bunch and Phil appreciates the fans much more than Tiger.
Posted by: Mickel Teets | Dec 14, 2008 8:20:55 PM
So Steve Williams called someone a prick? Wow big effin deal. Get over yourselves people there are way worse things goin on in the world you bunch of pansies. If i were Steve Williams(and im not) i would call this bunch in here pricks.
Posted by: CHARLES RICHARDSON | Dec 14, 2008 7:19:44 PM
Who cares what STEVE. sayes about PHIL,IS WHAT HE IS A GOLFER WHO IS VERY GOOD, BUT COULD BE GREAT IF HE WOULDN'T TRY AND SHOW OFF WITH HIS SHORT GAME AS MUCH,HE COULD HA WON FIVE MOR TOURNIMENT IN THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS. IF HE DINT DO SOME OF THE DUMB STUFF.
Posted by: moweejim | Dec 14, 2008 6:04:13 PM
“A caddy is an adjunct of his Player. As such, the caddy must mirror the players responsibility to his fellow competitors. Tradition, which I believe Tiger believes in, dictates that he is to be a gentlemen to and among his fellow competitors, regardless of whether he dislikes them or not. His caddy has to follow that lead. In this case, because of the strong bond between them, Tiger will have to make Stevie tone down such conduct. I would expect something public from SW apologizing. I personally would not tolerate this from my caddy. In his defense, the comments were made at a charity event question and answer portion and not expected to become public. He needs to understand everything he says falls into the public domain because of his celebrity status ”
Posted by: Bob | Dec 14, 2008 3:41:58 PM
Steve should remember that golf is a gentleman's game and keep his profanity to himself. If he doesn't like Phil, so be it, but to call him a prick is uncalled for.
In regards to Phil...he has a high level of self-confidence, which is why he is so good. He is a nice guy (I have been around him frequently) and won't give two cents what the others think of him. It is highly unlikely that Tiger would wave and Phil wouldn't. That's just not Phil's style, unless he was in the middle of a shot.
I have never seen him act childish like many of the other golfers on the golf course. Many believe they are great and can't get the ball to the hole, and throw a fit when they don't.
Who cares if other golfers don't want to play with him. That's most likely because he's slow rather than arrogant.
Steve should first of all make sure his comments are true, which the story is not. Plus, he should remember that calling others names is unprofessional, distasteful and unwarranted.
I hope he stays in New Zealand.
Posted by: davis | Dec 14, 2008 2:47:16 PM
cruel... but funny. So many guys who really know Mickelson seem to hate him. I wish I knew the exact reasons why.
Posted by: JMD | Dec 14, 2008 1:48:32 PM
I've seen and talked with Phil at many tournaments and had the privilege of being in a Crown Plaza commercial with him . There is no nicer classier person on the planet.Anyone who spealks ill of Phil doesn't know him or is jealous of the PEOPLES favorite on the golf course. LOOK for Phil to have a great 2009! Stevie is a man who knows nothing about class or the proper behavior. Anything he says was probsbly going to get picked up by the press. He is not the sharpest knife in the drawer. Tiger would win with me on the bag!!!!
Posted by: Doug | Dec 14, 2008 12:44:57 PM
So much for golf being a "gentleman's game." Steve Williams is the arrogant prick. I love how Steve says Phil (who has 34+/- wins) is not a "great player." I'd like to see Steve take on Phil for 18 holes instead of hiding behind Tiger's game. What would happen if another caddie or player made comments like that abou Tiger? It would probably tarnish their career.
Posted by: Michael Lesesne | Dec 14, 2008 11:49:28 AM
Funny...But, I don't really think Phil cares what Steve Williams, or anyone for that matter, thinks of him. He's one of the greatest golfers of all time...That being stated, I can honestly say I hate Phil but respect his talent. It's just a pity Tiger will render him, A.K., Sergio, and the rest of the also-rans irrelevant in 2009. My prediction: Tiger wins his first tournament back.
1
Posted by: Tiger fan | Dec 14, 2008 11:29:58 AM
Williams made the remarks on Mickelson at a private function, and not to a reporter. So it's not his fault that those remarks got published. However,after they were published and he was questioned by a reporter, Williams acted like an idiot and confirmed that he had indeed made those comments.For this, he ought to be publicly reprimanded by his employer.
Posted by: James S. Rogers | Dec 14, 2008 10:54:47 AM
Tiger and Williams are the reason I no longer attend pro golf tournaments, I used to attend two, because Tiger has caused the influx of fans who should have stayed at wrestling matches.
Posted by: Bob | Dec 14, 2008 9:45:34 AM
I believe the comment he is talking about did indeed happen at Bethpage, however the question was "Are those A cups?" referring to Phil's rather prominent breasts.
Posted by: goitzie | Dec 14, 2008 8:48:53 AM
Stevie's comment on Phil is the best measure of how good Phil really is. If he is good enough to bug Stevie, he must be good enough.
Posted by: sml | Dec 14, 2008 5:35:18 AM
steve who?
Posted by: Ringo Demaret | Dec 14, 2008 3:46:13 AM
When caddies start having their own Champions Dinner at Augusta, I'll care about what Stevie has to say.
Posted by: GL Woods | Dec 14, 2008 12:38:18 AM
Who really cares... go figure we find it entertaining to care about what Millionaires think...especially about each other.
Yeah Stevie is the second highest paid person on the tour. When he is at home in New Zealand kicking back with his homies raising money for charity, the tales tend to get taller.
You got to admit he is good at what he does!
Posted by: Kevin | Dec 13, 2008 6:58:22 PM
To get the fool fired would call for golf writer doing a critical piece in Team Tiger and don’t hold your breath waiting for that. All sports writers, to a great extent, suck up to the athletes, but golf writers (and on air personalities) take it to a new level when it comes to Tiger.
Posted by: Karl, Ireland | Dec 13, 2008 6:28:50 PM
The story allegedly told by Steve Williams is not true. The remark in question was instead made by a fan to Colin Montgomerie during a practice round for the 2002 US Open at Bethpage. Tiger and Mickelson played together for the first two rounds at Torrey last year but at no point last June nor since 2002 at the US Open, has Lefty double-bogeyed the 17th hole. One can only surmise that Williams was misquoted or that he was telling a weird joke which, ultimately, should colour the atmosphere in the Champions room at Augusta or the US locker room at Celtic Manor. If Williams was arrogant or foolish enough to make the remarks attributed to him, he has no place on the professional fairways.
Posted by: Gail Clarke | Dec 13, 2008 5:59:24 PM
Steve Williams should be hung out to dry for making this horrible comment. Tar and feather him.
Posted by: Kai | Dec 13, 2008 4:40:56 PM
tiger ain't gonna fire williams, williams can say and do things tiger can't. i bet tiger feels the same way williams feels. it's just that ever since the GQ interview, tiger knows he needs to act proper and let someone else be the bad cop.
Posted by: Kevin | Dec 13, 2008 4:29:12 PM
re:agreene
So Steve can call someone a prick, but someone calls him an an Ahole and that means they can't take it and should get off the web site? Nice thought process.
Posted by: agreene | Dec 13, 2008 2:34:57 PM
stevie's right, and has right to say so; if you can't take it, get off this website
Posted by: Woodenputter | Dec 13, 2008 1:39:13 PM
What a coward. The guy in the stands should have A..hole and Stevie would have turned around.
Posted by: Richard Romanishin | Dec 13, 2008 1:13:35 PM
Steve Williams is bonafide classly "THUG"...why don't you go pick on some more camera men, you over grown ape.
Posted by: Richard Romanishin | Dec 13, 2008 1:12:07 PM
Steve Williams is bonafide classly "THUG"...why don't you go pick on some more camera men, you over grown ape.
Posted by: Scott | Dec 13, 2008 12:40:13 PM
Anyone who thinks Tiger would have the same success without Stevie, doesnt know much about tournament golf. A caddie, especially the games all time best, can be a real aid on the course. Also, Stevie's assesment of Phil is spot on. He is an arrogant prick and most of his fellow tour players dislike him. In a poll of the players on tour, somewhere in the neighborhood of 80% of the players said the player on tour they would lest like to be paired with was Phil.
Posted by: Wammere | Dec 13, 2008 12:38:53 PM
I too am curious as to why this is not a bigger story.
If Tiger takes no action, will the media take him to task? I'll bet not.
I also assert that if Tiger does not take some sort of action on this, he is tacitly approving the remarks and contributing to the decline of sportsmanship in golf.
Something in the story sounds a little off as well - Tiger being gracious to the gallery, and Phil ignoring them?
Posted by: bajaokie | Dec 13, 2008 12:16:36 PM
This blog is not one of Golf's better moments. William's comments if true, say as much about him as they do about Mickelson.
Posted by: bajaokie | Dec 13, 2008 12:15:49 PM
This blog is not one of Golf's better moments. William's comments if true, say as much about him as they do about Mickelson.
Posted by: Joe Gudenas | Dec 13, 2008 11:31:24 AM
If these comments of Williams are true, Tiger should fire him now. Williams is a real idiot.
Posted by: bled | Dec 13, 2008 10:35:34 AM
that comment "he hates phil" might get him fired!
Posted by: zman | Dec 13, 2008 10:29:20 AM
who cares what Steve Williams thinks about Phil. I thought the tiger camp was classy how wrong was that.
Posted by: Brian | Dec 13, 2008 9:44:16 AM
Why isn't this a bigger story - Phil got cruxified about the inferior equipment misquote (everyone agreed that at that point, Nike Clubs were inferior). If Bones had been quoted as calling Tiger an arrogant ahole, you can bet it would be front page.
Posted by: JC | Dec 13, 2008 3:05:19 AM
Williams hates Phil because he reminds Williams of himself.
Posted by: chino | Dec 13, 2008 2:54:12 AM
Re Big D:
believe or not there is a lot more to it than just carrying tiger's bag whoever says that you only need a heartbeat and legs to carry Tiger's bag and he would have the same exact winnings. why do you think caddies get paid so much if the player wins a tourney?
oh btw for everybody's info mickelson is really a prick...many tour players hate him so i would agree with steve williams
Posted by: Barry | Dec 13, 2008 2:53:54 AM
I totally agree with Steve. Mickelson is your typical "country club" dick who was bought up with a silver spoon in his mouth and never had to go without anything.
Posted by: chino | Dec 13, 2008 2:53:41 AM
Re Big D:
believe or not there is a lot more to it than just carrying tiger's bag whoever says that you only need a heartbeat and legs to carry Tiger's bag and he would have the same exact winnings. why do you think caddies get paid so much if the player wins a tourney?
oh btw for everybody's info mickelson is really a prick...many tour players hate him so i would agree with steve williams
Posted by: Kevin | Dec 12, 2008 11:51:30 PM
Its bad enough that 99% of the writers kiss Tiger butt raw, but does it now overflow to his clown caddy? When will the interview with his lawn boy (about as responsible for his golf success as his caddy)come out?
Posted by: Frank | Dec 12, 2008 7:56:03 PM
Steve Williams looks like the north end of a south bound horse, and he is an idiot!
Posted by: Frank | Dec 12, 2008 7:55:05 PM
Steve Williams looks like the north end of a south bound horse, and he is an idiot!
Posted by: DJ | Dec 12, 2008 6:41:54 PM
That's not cool. He'll ask for that one back. Guaranteed.
Posted by: Big D | Dec 12, 2008 6:38:34 PM
Steve Williams is an uneducated moron whos only claim to fame is acting as the servent to the most talented human being that has ever lived. Truth be told anyone with a heartbeat and a pair of sneakers could carry Tigers bag and Tiger would have the exact same winning percentage. Steve get over yourself! You are not important, you dont matter, and your 15 minutes of fame have been long expired!
Posted by: Davo | Dec 12, 2008 6:23:21 PM
I know a lotta players would agree with Steve. The truth is out there!
Posted by: pickblade | Dec 12, 2008 6:03:54 PM
funniest thing I read all day.
Posted by: Paul | Dec 12, 2008 5:19:16 PM
I thought Steve williams was a class act just like Tiger, but after the Phil comments i guess we all can see just how low class an individual he really is,comments like his should he should keep to himself,Tiger should rein in his ignorant no class puppet and put a muzzle on him since all he is is Tigers PET
Posted by: That's uncalled for. | Dec 12, 2008 4:54:16 PM
Calling another player a prick on national media is uncalled for. Typical Williams lack of respect for other people. He thinks he's so special just for being a bag boy.
Williams, get over yourself.
Posted by: jay | Dec 12, 2008 12:10:22 PM
"I wouldn't call Mickelson a great player ... 'cause I hate the prick."
hahahaahaha