Tiger Woods’ impressive return to competitive golf with a three-under 69 in the Bahamas may have surprised many people, but former caddie Steve Williams was not one of them.
As commentators, analysts and fans gushed over the speed and ferocity of Woods’s swing in the first round of the Hero World Challenge, Williams was helping guide countryman Ryan Fox to a five-under 67 at the Australian PGA Championship on the Gold Coast.
Woods and Williams split in 2011 in less than amicable circumstances in the wake of Woods’ personal life being sensationally exposed to the world. But after being on the bag for 64 tournament wins together over 12 years, Williams told Australian Golf Digest that Woods’ pride would not allow him to be mediocre.
“As well as I know Tiger, I know he wouldn’t tee it up in a tournament if he didn’t believe he could be competitive,” said the man who was by Woods’ side for 13 of his 14 Major titles.
“Tiger will not come along just to make up the numbers. He’s a guy that has too much pride in what he does. So whilst I don’t have anything to do with Tiger anymore, I know if he’s entering a tournament then he believes he can compete.
“He won’t tee it up in a tournament unless he believes he can compete.”
Meanwhile, once his commitments with Fox are completed this week, Williams will return to New Zealand and turn his attention to the race car debut of his 12-year-old son Jett.
A two-time New Zealand Super Saloon champion, Williams has supported junior drivers for the best part of a decade. However, he admits there will be an extra edge to seeing his son compete for the very first time.
“He’s very nervous about it and rightfully so,” Williams said.
“We’ve got a class in New Zealand called mini stocks and it’s for (those) aged 12 to 16. They’re allowed to race a three-quarter scaled-down stock car. He’s just turned 12 so December 16 is going to be his debut on the race track.
“I have two race cars myself and so now we have another one. That’s going to keep things busy.
“I’ve sponsored kids in this mini stocks’ class for at least 10 years and I’ve had as much thrill following them, and watching them, and mentoring them on the race track, and he’s going to be no different.
“I’ll be absolutely thrilled to watch him.
“Ask his mum and she’ll give you a different answer. She’s nervous as.”
