Source; AP
In my previous post I talked about the Tiger versus Stevie breakup from Tigers perspective. This time I thought I would try and understand the motives and actions of Stevie Williams from his perspective. The primary difference from Stevie’s perspective is that he did not initiate the breakup, he was on the receiving end. Like most long term relationships that suddenly end the person on the receiving end is usually angry and bitter. That was certainly true in this case. Stevie’s actions and comments on the 18th green at Firestone after his win with Adam Scott was indicative of that. As a reminder here are Stevie’s comments after the Scott win.
"I have been caddying for more than 30 years now. I have won 145 times and that is the best win of my life," Williams said afterwards. "A lot has been said this week and it is great to back it up. I back myself as a frontrunner as a caddie and I have won again."
It is pretty obvious to anyone that follows golf that the comments were made in anger. After all he won many major titles while on the bag of Tiger Woods along with a lot of World Golf Championship events. These are no small achievements.
Although I must say I cannot blame him for his anger and disgust. He stood by Tiger through Tiger’s most difficult times not only professionally but personally. Stevie was asked repeatedly about his knowledge of Tigers affairs and he stated time and again that he had no knowledge. Not to mention Tiger and Stevie were close friends by all accounts which had to add to the hurt.
In the end however, I think Stevie needs to let this go and accept Tigers decision. After all, Williams made a lot of money over the years due to Woods’ success on the golf course. I think it would be easy to say he made in excess of $10 million from that relationship. Not a bad deal for carrying a set of golf clubs around the world’s most beautiful courses while witnessing some of the best golf every played.
So, if I am Stevie Williams I move on to a new chapter in my life. Let bygones be bygones and find success with a new player. He seems to have done that with Adam Scott. He had a great run with one of the greatest payers of all time and reaped the rewards from his work. Lastly, Stevie needs to avoid the camera, spotlight and interview requests. Leave that up to your player and do not fall into the trap that media is leading you into. He should know by now that there are cameras and microphones everywhere. Especially in any golf related events.
In the end, I do not know if Tiger was right or wrong in his decision to let Williams go. Nor, do I necessarily blame Williams for his anger and disgust. What I do know is that the world of golf needs to see Tiger Woods playing great golf again and Stevie needs to go back to being a great caddy for Adam Scott. Hopefully this handshake solidifies the end to this working relationship and begins the mending process of two of golf’s great characters.
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