Steve Williams Reveals What Tiger Woods 'Never Did' That Made Him Unique
This was one of the things that separated Tiger from his peers, according to the veteran caddie
Steve Williams, long-time caddie of Tiger Woods, has given a rare glimpse into the elite mindset of his former employer in a new podcast series called “Chasing Majors.”
The Kiwi was on the bag of the 15-time major champion during his prime years before they split in 2011, so knows him better than most. And speaking to Australian Golf Digest writer and podcast host Evin Priest, the 58-year-old detailed one of the aspects of Woods’s character that set him apart.
“One of the things I admire most about Tiger - I admired a lot of things about him - but one thing I absolutely admired about Tiger is that at the completion of a tournament you'd walk into the scorer's hut and you sign your scorecard and you hand it in,” Williams said.
“And they always have a sheet with the prize money allocation for everybody so you can look up on the screen to see how you finished and look down and see how much you won. Tiger never, ever once took a look at that. He played to win trophies and create records, not for prize money.”
Williams, who caddied for Adam Scott and Danielle Kang after Woods, went on to say that he never saw anyone else display such little regard for the financial rewards of life on tour during his 40-year career.
"He’s the only player I’ve ever caddied for, the only player I’ve ever seen who never, ever looked at that sheet. OK, you could argue he didn’t need to look at that sheet, but every player looks at that sheet, and he never did."
During their time together, Woods and Williams combined to win 13 major championships and hold dominion over the World No. 1 spot for longer than anyone else in history, before their very public split as the American's private life fell apart.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
Woods tops the list for career earnings on the PGA Tour, having amassed more than $120 million in prize money alone since turning pro in 1996. The 46-year old is still recovering from horrific injuries sustained in last February’s car crash but has vowed he will return to the PGA Tour, albeit in a limited capacity.
A lifelong golf fan, Andy graduated in 2019 with a degree in Sports Journalism and got his first role in the industry as the Instruction Editor for National Club Golfer. From there, he decided to go freelance and now covers a variety of topics for Golf Monthly.
Andy took up the game at the age of seven and even harboured ambitions of a career in the professional ranks for a spell. That didn’t pan out, but he still enjoys his weekend golf at Royal Troon and holds a scratch handicap. As a side note, he's made five holes-in-one and could quite possibly be Retief Goosen’s biggest fan.
As well as the above, some of Andy's work has featured on websites such as goal.com, dailyrecord.co.uk, and theopen.com.
What's in Andy's bag?
Driver: Callaway Mavrik Sub-Zero (9°)
3-wood: TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus (15°)
Driving iron: Titleist U500 (17°)
Irons: Mizuno mp32 (4-PW)
Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM9 (50°, 54° and 58°)
Putter: Titleist Scotty Cameron Newport 2.5
Ball: TaylorMade TP5x
-
YouTube Star George Bryan Comes Within Inches Of PGA Tour Start At Qualifying Event
The YouTube star appeared set for a place at the Myrtle Beach Classic, but a near miss on the 18th left him in a playoff, which Matt Atkins won
By Mike Hall Published
-
6 Mistakes Golfers Make When Choosing A Putter
Joe Ferguson examines how you can avoid some common pitfalls the next time you look to change putters
By Joe Ferguson Published
-
Tiger Woods Names Jupiter Links GC TGL Roster
The 15-time Major winner has revealed the three players to compete alongside him in the delayed TGL next year
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Verne Lundquist Lifts Lid On Emotional Masters Farewell With Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods shared a poignant moment with the legendary broadcaster beside the 16th green in the final round at Augusta
By Ben Fleming Published
-
Tiger Woods Finishes Last At 2024 Masters Following Highest Total Score Of Pro Career
Woods putted out for a final round 77 at Augusta to finish on +16, but the veteran still vowed to play the rest of the year's Majors
By James Nursey Published
-
Tiger Woods Impresses On Masters Day One With 23 Holes To Play On Friday
Woods played 13 holes in one-under-par on Thursday afternoon before play was called due to darkness
By Elliott Heath Last updated
-
Why Is Tiger Woods Not Wearing Nike At The Masters?
At the start of 2024 Tiger Woods revealed he wouldn't be wearing Nike anymore, but why is that? We explain all here.
By Sam Tremlett Published
-
Tiger Woods Postponing Ryder Cup Captaincy Talks Until After The Masters
The 15-time Major winner confirmed he will hold talks with PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh once he has competed at Augusta National
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
The Incredible Masters Record Tiger Woods Can Break At Augusta This Week
Five-time Masters champion Woods is practising at Augusta this week where he aims to make cut for a record 24th time
By James Nursey Published
-
Report: Tiger Woods To Continue With New Caddie At The Masters
Tiger Woods will reportedly stick with Lance Bennett at Augusta National, after the pair worked together at the Genesis Invitational
By Ben Fleming Published