Steve Williams was Tiger Woods’ caddie for 13 of his 15 major victories, but he experienced a very different feeling when working with Adam Scott in 2013
Steve Williams spent years the man behind Tiger Woods’ golf bag as he ploughed through some of the most formidable periods in the sport’s history. He was a personal witness to Woods’ unfaltering and almost mechanical drive to win.
Yet when Woods cut ties with him in 2011 and Williams joined forces with Adam Scott as his caddie, he discovered a whole new perspective. When Scott clinched the 2013 Masters title, marking the first Aussie victory at Augusta, Williams felt something scarce during his tenure with Woods – an authentic sense of celebration.
With Tiger in tow, each week had one aim: to win. Missing out on a title only heightened the stress for the next competition., which was starkly different to his time working with Scott.
Williams has frequently spoken about how Woods never seemed to relish his wins, always setting his sights on the forthcoming challenge. Even following Woods’ extraordinary 15-stroke victory at the 2000 U.S. Open, a standout feat in the sport, Woods was already strategising for future victories.
“One of the very next things he said to me after signing his card was: ‘Steve, you need to get your ass across the water and get all the details from St Andrews so I can win there as well,'” Williams recalled during a chat on ‘The Dom Harvey Podcast.’.
That dogged spirit, although iconic, often meant sparse opportunity for celebration. Woods’ victories weren’t occasions to indulge in; they were mere affirmations that he’d achieved what was expected of him.
Williams, who cut his teeth with relentless competitors like Greg Norman and Raymond Floyd, explained that Woods’ competitiveness was another level—every tournament was a do-or-die affair. Spending over 10 years in such a high-octane environment meant that parting ways with Woods and joining Scott marked a stark change for Williams in his caddying career.
“With Adam, he wanted to do well, but it wasn’t the end of the world if he didn’t,” Williams explained. The celebration that ensued when Scott triumphed at Augusta was unlike anything Williams had encountered during his time with Woods.
“When Adam won the Masters, we had a great celebration,” Williams said. “With Tiger, that was never happening.”
However, despite their split, Williams still strongly believes in Woods’ ability. Asked whether Woods’ recent injuries could spell the end of his playing days, Williams confidently stated, “No chance.”
Williams may have been worn out by Woods’ relentless drive. However, he believes that same trait could push Woods to another major win.
For Scott, claiming victory at the Masters was a dream fulfilled, a precious moment to be savoured indefinitely. For Woods, winning majors was always par for the course.
Should he emerge victorious one more time, expect no indulgent pauses; Woods is likely to be already plotting his next triumph.
