Caddie Williams Loses Respect for Tiger

Caddie Steve Williams admits he has lost "a tremendous amount of respect" for Tiger Woods.

Woods announced on his website on Wednesday that it was "time for a change", thus ending his 12-year partnership with the New Zealander, who had been on Tiger's bag for 13 of his 14 Major victories.

Williams has recently been caddying for Australian Adam Scott but it was thought that was just a temporary arrangement whilst Woods was sidelined by injury.

However, the relationship which had been strained by the sex scandal surrounding Woods which broke in November 2009 is now over after Tiger revealed the permanent split.

Speaking to TV New Zealand, the 47-year-old Williams said: "I think anybody in my situation would say they didn't have total respect and that respect would have to be earned. Obviously this situation is certainly not earning my respect.

"I told him when we first met met back up in 2010 at Augusta that he had to earn my respect back.

"He was aware of that and he would know right now I've lost a tremendous amount of respect for him.

"Through time I hope he can gain my respect back. He definitely needs to earn my respect again, that's for sure."

Williams added: "I'm a very big stickler for loyalty and I stuck with Tiger through his difficult period when a lot of people thought I should have left his side.

"That was the most difficult period that I've ever been through in my life. I'm pretty hard headed and took it probably a lot better than my wife and family did, but there's no way that I should have been put through that.

"My name should have been cleared immediately. It wasn't and that's what makes it even more disappointing what's transpired.

"I never really got pardoned from that scandal so the timing of it is extraordinary. You could say I've wasted two years of my life."

Woods has not won since the 2009 Australian Masters and missed the US Open and Open Championship this year through injury.

It is a far cry from the time when the 35-year-old dominated the game and Williams added: "I've been fortunate to witness possibly one of the greatest runs in golf ever.

"I consider myself very fortunate, I would be surprised if anyone plays at that level for that length of time again."Williams is now looking to the future after taking up a full-time position with Scott and said: "I'm excited about it and the last few weeks caddying for Adam has kind of opened my eyes a little bit."

Scott finished tied 25th in The Open at Royal St. George's last week.

Tiger Confirms Parting with Williams

Williams with Scott at Open

Former world number one Tiger Woods has parted company with Steve Williams, who had been his caddie since 1999.

Woods, who missed last week's Open because of a leg injury, made the announcement on his official website.

Woods said: "I want to express my deepest gratitude to Stevie, but I think it's time for a change.

"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."

Williams has been working with Australian Adam Scott at the last two majors, and Woods has made no announcement yet about who will replace him when the 14-time major champion returns to action after his injury.

"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, I am very disappointed to end our very successful partnership at this time." said Steve Williams

Williams was Woods's caddy for 13 of those 14 major wins, and was at one stage thought to be New Zealand's highest earning sporting figure.

Speaking to his official website, Williams confirmed the end of his relationship with Woods and revealed he would team up with Scott on a permanent basis.

He said: "After years of loyal service needless to say this came as a shock.

"I have had the opportunity to work of late for Australian Adam Scott and will now caddie for him on a permanent basis.

"Having started my caddying career with Australian great Peter Thompson and working for Greg Norman in the 80's I am excited about the future working for another Australian. "