“The British Open was obviously frustrating for Tiger, but to be honest with you, I didn’t do a good job that week.”
−Steve Williams
I GOT A NOTE TODAY from ESPN about Tiger Woods bag man Steve Williams and his appearance on E:60 next Tuesday at 7 p.m.
In the interview with E:60 correspondent Lisa Salter, Williams describes how he blames himself for Tiger’s poor performance in the British Open, speaks frankly about his disparaging remarks against Phil Mickelson last December and of Woods’ remarkable win at the 2008 U.S. Open.
“The British Open was obviously frustrating for Tiger, but to be honest with you, I didn’t do a good job that week…I take the blame to be totally honest,” Williams was quoted as saying by ESPN.
“I made some poor decisions and gave him some poor advice and because of that he missed the cut.”
Interesting. And just what were the poor decisions and advice? Don’t know. Maybe we’ll find out next Tuesday.
Do you think Stevie really screwed up, or is he just being a good caddie and taking one for the team?
−The Armchair Golfer
Interesting…there is a third option.
If Tiger doesn't win the PGA it could be an off season when he makes big changes…Haney would likely be gone for example, but why stop there?
Maybe Stevie has thought about that himself…
By proactively taking heat he would be helping take some off his Boss…something that probably wouldn't go unnoticed by El Tigre.
It's admittedly a stretch, but crazier things have gone through Steve dub's er I mean, people's minds.
I would hazard a guess that Woods only hits shots he's comfortable with and I didn't see Williams hit any.
We will never find out.
And, I also do not believe Tiger places any blame whatsoever on Haney.
It's a pretty solid team. I'd love Stevie on my bag protecting my back…
Agree with Average Golfer. A caddy only recommends, he doesn't hit the shots. Tiger is enough of an expert at what he does to recognize difference in the two positions.
I don't think Stevie should blame himself when Tiger hits the ball all over the map. He may have made a few bad suggestions but Tiger was all over the place in that wind.
On the other hand, Tom Watson't caddy should be speaking up about giving Watson the 9 iron instead of the 8 iron on the 18th hole. Being short rather than long on that hole would have made for a much easier par.
We'll see Vince…if he does end up firing Haney (which I think would be a mistake and not really the issue but who the hell knows, to your point) it would be hard to say with a straight face that he didn't consider Haney at least part of the problem – which automatically means he holds him accountable (or blames) him to some extent.
But it's not like Tiger is one to publicly throw others under the bus. He'd always take ownership of his performance.