Steve Williams Reveals Tiger Woods’ Greatest Rival... And It’s Not Mickelson
Tiger’s longest-serving caddie reveals a surprising name as the 15-time Major winner’s closest rival
Tiger Woods’ long-serving former caddie Steve Williams has suggested a surprising name as the 46-year-old’s biggest on-course rival.
The New Zealander caddied for Woods between 1999 and 2011 – the most successful period of the American's career, where he won 13 of his 15 Majors to date. However, even though another American, Phil Mickelson, was collecting most of his Majors during the same period, Williams revealed Woods didn’t see Lefty as his closest rival.
Speaking on the Chasing Majors podcast, Williams explained that Fijian Vijay Singh takes that honour. He said: “You know, Vijay and of course, you know, as strong as the relationship - oh sorry! - the rivalry between Tiger and Phil. Tiger and Vijay was even greater probably, I mean, the two guys just hated to lose to each other.”
That motivation of Woods to defeat Singh was particularly evident at the 2006 Deutsche Bank Championship, where Woods hit an eight-under-par final round of 63. Singh could only manage a 68 in his final round, leaving Woods to claim a two-stroke victory. Williams was particularly in awe of the start Woods made in that round. He said: “Tiger was desperate on Sunday. You know, just somehow get in the mix. And then he goes out in 29 I mean, it’s just it’s another story that’s just mind-boggling.”
Singh won his three Majors between 1998 and 2004, with the latter year his most impressive. In 2004 he had eight wins, including the PGA Championship. He was also World No.1 for 32 weeks in 2004 and 2005.
Singh has struggled to recapture that form in recent years, and he missed the cut in his most recent tournament, The Masters. Meanwhile, Woods made his long-awaited comeback from injury at Augusta National and finished 47th – a performance that saw him make a huge jump up the world rankings.
Things You Didn't Know About Tiger Woods
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.
Mike has over 25 years of experience in journalism, including writing on a range of sports throughout that time, such as golf, football and cricket. Now a freelance staff writer for Golf Monthly, he is dedicated to covering the game's most newsworthy stories.
He has written hundreds of articles on the game, from features offering insights into how members of the public can play some of the world's most revered courses, to breaking news stories affecting everything from the PGA Tour and LIV Golf to developmental Tours and the amateur game.
Mike grew up in East Yorkshire and began his career in journalism in 1997. He then moved to London in 2003 as his career flourished, and nowadays resides in New Brunswick, Canada, where he and his wife raise their young family less than a mile from his local course.
Kevin Cook’s acclaimed 2007 biography, Tommy’s Honour, about golf’s founding father and son, remains one of his all-time favourite sports books.
-
‘I Think I Can Be Helpful’ – Rory McIlroy Opens Up On Potential Return To PGA Tour Policy Board
The four-time Major winner resigned from the board six months ago, but with the game still fractured, he could be about to return
By Mike Hall Published
-
Two-Time Major Runner-Up Amy Olson Announces Retirement Aged 31
The LPGA Tour pro, who has been on maternity leave since last year, made the announcement on social media
By Mike Hall Published
-
Reports: Tiger Woods Set To Receive $100m Loyalty Payday From PGA Tour
The 15-time Major champion is set to be rewarded handsomely for sticking with the US-based circuit
By Andrew Wright 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