Steve Williams caddied for Tiger Woods during the prime years of his career from 1999 to 2011. Williams saw Woods win 13 major titles along with him. But such a 12-year-long partnership ended dramatically, and now, 14 years later, the caddie still regrets the image of him that was created. The caddie, who had the pressure of being the best to be with Woods at his prime, showcased some controversial and aggressive outbursts, which still bother him for the image he might’ve portrayed.
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Reflecting on that period, golf journalist Evin Priest offered a perspective on Tee It Up Golf: “I could only empathize with the pressure that he was under. So, you know, for those out there, there are some detractors of Steve Williams. And for those out there that sort of disagree with the way he went about things, you would just have to put yourself in his shoes and the pressure he was under to caddy.”
Williams himself has admitted that the intense demands of working with Woods—calculating yardages, strategizing, and providing constant mental support—took a toll. This converted into oncourse outbursts that even the caddie did not see coming. For instance, at the 2004 US Open, Williams had two notable run-ins with photographers. In the second round, he kicked the camera of a New York Daily News photographer. However, in the final round, just before Woods teed off at the par-3 2nd, Williams snatched a camera from a spectator. Williams later said he regretted the first incident but defended the second, saying photographers were shooting his swing at inappropriate times, making it hard for Woods (and him) to concentrate.
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This aggression had also been directed at Woods too. As per ESPn, in 2011, Williams made a racially insensitive slur about Woods, i.e., “black a********,” which caused serious controversy and prompted criticism. Altough, Williams later apologized and stated the comment was unacceptable, it was pointing towards an increase in unhinged behaviour which may or may not be attributed to working with the GOAT.
Moreover, he later described his dismissal during Woods’s comeback from injury as having “wasted two years of his life,” a reflection of the bitterness he felt at the time. In 2011, Woods struggled with a knee injury, keeping him away fromt he course. Well, seeing that Williams is without a golfer to caddie for, Adam Scott saw the opportunity and asked Williams if he can work with him temporarily. The caddie took permission from Big Cat and got approval, but later, as recounted by Williams, Woods denied and asked him not to be Scott’s caddie. These small but several instances gradually resulted in the the end of a successful partnership.
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Priest explained further: “So the pressure he was under was massive, and I think at times he cracked. He’s never really regretted those. He’s just more; he regrets the way he was perceived through those actions. But really, is a lovely guy.” At the end of the day it is hard to deny the success Woods got along with Williams, which compiled to 80 tournaments. If someone was actually not that good of a character, then someone would not work with them for such a long time, that too have such a strong relationship.
via Imago
Tiger Woods and caddie Steve Williams.
Despite the dramatic ending, Woods acknowledged Williams’s role in his career, stating:“Stevie is an outstanding caddie and has been instrumental in many of my accomplishments. I wish him great success for the future.” In later years, the two did reconnect, with Williams recounting a light-hearted exchange when they crossed paths at the Genesis Invitational. Though their relationship was strained for a long time, the bitterness has softened, and today the two share mutual respect for what they accomplished together.
Priest and Williams later collaborated on Together We Roared, a 2025 book that revisits their 12-year partnership, highlighting not just the triumphs but also lighter moments that the caddie’s reputation has often overshadowed.
Since then, Williams has moved and used his experience to share his life as a caddie.
Steve Williams’ journey to redemption after the split
After the split with Tiger Woods in 2011, Williams became the full-time caddie of the Australian professional, Adam Scott. He achieved brilliant success, including a major win at the 2013 Masters, which was the most significant after the split. Furthermore, he took semi-retirement, caddying selectively for major tournaments only. For example, he caddied for Adam Scott in the 2023 Genesis Invitational.
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To share his life thoughts, he started writing and public relations. He released his book “Out of the Rough: The Caddie Story” in 2016, which was his autobiography. The book shared his perspective on pressure, tension during his tenure with Woods, and frustration as well. Even his recent book, released in 2025, was written with Priest.
The attempt to improve his perceived image was successful, as the duo, who had parted ways on bitter terms, reconciled to a more cordial relationship. Even the duo shares mutual respect for the history they share. The regret of being perceived as a different person is still with him, but his fellow Evin Priest has taken his side, along with the effort. To some extent, it has worked as well on his part. However, some people still harbor remorse about his words and actions. Are you among those who still carry bitter memories of the caddie? Let us know in the comments below.
