Liguori: Tiger Woods Fires Caddie Steve Williams
By Ann Liguori
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Tiger's caddie Steve Williams was likely one of the 'last men standing' up for the disgraced Tiger Woods. Yet Tiger fired him after 12 years of service. Tiger said it was time for a change.
Tiger has a right to fire his caddie but the Woods-Williams partnership achieved 13 Major Championships and 72 other victories worldwide. So yes, the news is surprising and yes, you have to ask the question, why?
Williams, who is caddying for Adam Scott for the last several months during Tiger's absence from the Tour with injuries, did not take too kindly to the news of his release.
Williams told Television New Zealand: "You could say I've wasted the last two years of my life."
Williams was quoted as saying he "stuck with Tiger, through thick and thin – with the scandal, a new coach, a swing change – and then this happens." He said "I wouldn't ditch someone when the chips are down. I've stuck by Tiger and put myself and my family in a difficult position.'
You can say that again. Most people found it difficult to believe that Steve did not know anything about Tiger's multi-faceted 'secret life.' I'm sure many thought he was probably in on it. When asked on camera in the middle of the scandal, Steve denied having any knowledge of anything. Many people figured he was covering up for his friend and employer and obviously trying to protect himself and his family.
What a horrible position to be put in. Whether he stuck with Tiger out of loyalty and/or was focusing on additional future big pay days, Williams was in a 'no win' situation once the scandal surfaced. Williams could have bailed long ago but he stuck with him. But for reasons that we may never know, Tiger cut him off.
Does this free Steve Williams up to write a juicy tell-all?! Or will he want to put this nightmare behind him, live on his savings account and hope that Adam Scott can help him pay the bills?
Meanwhile, TMZ reported that Rachel Uchitel has given back more of the $10 million 'hush' money that Tiger gave her to not disclose anything about their alleged affair. It shouldn't take Rachel much time to get a publisher.
Until the first person accounts start hitting the market, you may find Adam Shipnuck and Michael Bamburger's novel, 'The Scandal,' satisfies your need to know the dirt. It's a fun and well-written (fictional?) story about a top golfer in the world whose life and game spirals downhill after news about his extracurricular activities are reported.
Wow – the Tiger nightmare continues. And then there's the fact that he hasn't played competitive golf in months!
