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More change is in the works for Tiger Woods – a new caddie.
Woods announced Wednesday that he and longtime bagman Steve Williams have parted ways, ending a 12-year run that included 13 of his 14 major championships.
"I want to express my deepest gratitude to Stevie for all his help, but I think it's time for a change," Woods said in a statement.
"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."
No replacement was named. Williams later issued a statement on his website saying Woods cut him loose three weeks ago while both were at the AT&T National.
With Woods sidelined to heal an injured left knee and Achilles tendon, Williams had taken a fill-in job caddying for Australia's Adam Scott. His old boss, meanwhile, was at Aronimink Golf Club fulfilling duties as tournament host.
"Needless to say this came as a shock," Williams said.
"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," he went on, "I am very disappointed to end our very successful partnership at this time."
Williams now will carry Scott's bag on a full-time basis. After missing the cut at the U.S. Open in their first event together, they tied for third at the AT&T National and 25th at last week's British Open.
Woods, who has played just nine holes of competitive golf since the Masters, has given no indication when he'll return. The next tournament on his usual schedule would be the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, two weeks hence in Akron, Ohio.
One week later comes the PGA Championship – the season's final major – to be played at Atlanta Athletic Club.
jshain@tribune.com. Read Jeff Shain's blog, The Downswing, at OrlandoSentinel.com/golfblog.
Woods announced Wednesday that he and longtime bagman Steve Williams have parted ways, ending a 12-year run that included 13 of his 14 major championships.
"I want to express my deepest gratitude to Stevie for all his help, but I think it's time for a change," Woods said in a statement.
"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."
No replacement was named. Williams later issued a statement on his website saying Woods cut him loose three weeks ago while both were at the AT&T National.
With Woods sidelined to heal an injured left knee and Achilles tendon, Williams had taken a fill-in job caddying for Australia's Adam Scott. His old boss, meanwhile, was at Aronimink Golf Club fulfilling duties as tournament host.
"Needless to say this came as a shock," Williams said.
"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," he went on, "I am very disappointed to end our very successful partnership at this time."
Williams now will carry Scott's bag on a full-time basis. After missing the cut at the U.S. Open in their first event together, they tied for third at the AT&T National and 25th at last week's British Open.
Woods, who has played just nine holes of competitive golf since the Masters, has given no indication when he'll return. The next tournament on his usual schedule would be the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, two weeks hence in Akron, Ohio.
One week later comes the PGA Championship – the season's final major – to be played at Atlanta Athletic Club.
jshain@tribune.com. Read Jeff Shain's blog, The Downswing, at OrlandoSentinel.com/golfblog.
