Imagine the world of Tiger Woods since the break-up with his wife Elin Nordegren. He has been injured, has lost endorsements, and missed major tournaments (including the US and British Opens). This is a world that even Rod Serling would have had trouble explaining on The Twilight Zone. Now we get word that Woods has fired his caddie and close pal Steve Williams.
Williams (47) has worked for Woods since 1999 and seemed to be a steady influence on Tiger during this recent turbulent period in his life. Williams revealed the situation on his web site saying "I'm no longer caddying for Tiger after he informed me that he needed to make a change."
Woods also noted the move on his own web site saying, "Stevie is an outstanding caddie and a friend and has been instrumental in many of my accomplishments." Whether Tiger is just taking the high road here or not, the truth is he issued the guy a pink slip, so Woods definitely wanted Williams out of the picture. This does seem to come at a strange time, especially with Woods nursing his injuries and hoping to get back into action later this month at the WGC Bridgestone Invitational.
Williams was more than a caddie to Woods: he was a friend, protector, and confidant. In a world turned upside down by scandal, it was Williams who provided Woods with a strong shoulder to cry on. Now, strangely initiated by Woods, that support is gone.
Perhaps Woods is just looking to start anew in his career and his personal life. Maybe Williams knew a little too much, and Tiger now wants to get away from the past and concentrate on this next phase of his career. It will be interesting to see who eventually gets to carry the bag for Woods, for Tiger comes with lots of baggage besides his clubs.
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