It might have been Scott that hit the tee shots and made the putts, but it was Williams who had the most to gain. Not only did Williams claim his eighth win at Firestone Country Club, seven of which came with Woods, but he made sure to kick Tiger while he was down, floundering in the middle of the pack -- 18 shots behind Scott.
After the win, Williams attracted a lot of the attention from the media, and he called it the best win of his life. Really? It wasn't one of the 13 majors he won with Woods or any of the other countless titles involving some of the most impossible shots ever made?
From someone who employed Woods as his best man at his wedding only six years ago, it sure sounds as if Williams has some bad blood toward his former partner. His post-tournament comments explaining how much fun he had this week shocked many and came off as pompous, especially for a caddie.
In sports, a caddie speaking out is akin to an assistant coach in other sports. Players don't really appreciate trash talk from the guys that never participate and benefit from simply standing on the sideline. It's hard to take Williams' side here when it was Tiger who made all those shots and dominated for so long.
Somehow, Williams was shocked and disappointed when Woods chose to go in a different direction -- words Williams used himself. When he teamed up with Scott earlier this summer, Williams should have known the risks. Tiger isn't in the business of sharing -- he's in the business of winning, and if Williams wasn't dedicated to him, Woods would find someone else who was.
It's safe to say that extenuating circumstances led to the break-up, the second big divorce in Tiger's life that is likely not for the better. Williams and Woods -- it used to be the perfect match. Nobody could blame Williams for wanting to get back to work instead of relying on an injured and mentally battered Woods for his sole means of income.
But when it comes to the golf course, the caddie needs to keep his mouth shut.
Of course Scott was graceful in saying Williams' wisdom was invaluable this week. Why wouldn't it be? Williams had seven titles at this tournament on his resume, far exceeding that of any other caddie. But what Woods did for Williams will be greater than anything Williams could ever do for anyone, so he should be grateful regardless of what has happened or will happen.
Marriages in sports are never meant to last. In the end, sports are a business, and it takes a lot to separate business from pleasure. In Williams' case, he clearly couldn't separate the two -- he had a lot of pleasure from the money and fame Woods helped him get, and it was bad business for Williams when Woods got into the rut of his life.
Or maybe it wasn't the worst thing for Williams, who got to move on to a surging Scott and probably took home a bigger check this week than Woods. What he should have done was congratulate Scott and talk about how hopeful he was for the day that Woods returns to greatness, if at all. Whether he meant it or not, Williams had an opportunity to take the high road and didn't.
A beautiful friendship and partnership, one that produced the greatest run of golf some of us have ever seen, gone in an instant. It's a shame that Williams wants to brush it all aside instead of savor it for a lifetime.
When Woods makes his return among golf's best -- if he ever does -- somebody else will be collecting the caddie's piece of the money. But all anyone will care about is Tiger, no matter who totes the bag around the course.
Nobody likes a sore winner, which is exactly what Steve Williams has become.
Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods
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