Tiger pained by caddie's foul-mouthed outburst

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(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-12-17 13:52

LOS ANGELES: Tiger Woods has expressed disappointment over derogatory comments made by his long-time caddie Steve Williams about fellow American golfer Phil Mickelson.

Tiger Woods holds the trophy after winning on the first hole of a sudden death playoff against Rocco Mediate following a playoff round at the US Open golf championship at Torrey Pines in San Diego in this June 16, 2008 file photo. [Agencies]

World No 1 Woods said on Monday he had dealt with the matter, describing words attributed to Williams in a New Zealand newspaper as "inappropriate".

New Zealander Williams was quoted by the Taranaki Daily News on Saturday as saying: "I wouldn't call Mickelson a great player ... 'cause I hate the prick."

The following day, Williams told the Sunday Star-Times the quote was accurate while adding he was surprised his comments made during a charity event had reached the public.

"I was simply honest and said they (Mickelson and Woods) don't get along," Williams told the newspaper. "You know what it's like. You're at a charity event and you have a bit of fun.

"I don't particularly like the guy (Mickelson) myself. He pays me no respect at all and hence I don't pay him any respect. It's no secret we don't get along either."

In a statement issued on Monday, 14-time major winner Woods said: "I was disappointed to read the comments attributed to Steve Williams about Phil Mickelson, a player that I respect.

"It was inappropriate. The matter has been discussed and dealt with."

Mickelson's management team had responded 24 hours earlier in reaction to what it said were "grossly inaccurate and irresponsible statements" made by Williams.

"After seeing Steve Williams' comments, all I could think of was how lucky I am to have a class act like (caddie) Bones (Jim Mackay) on my bag and representing me," world No 3 Mickelson said.

A three-time major champion, left-hander Mickelson has long been regarded as the likeliest challenger to the dominant Woods. While the two players share a mutual respect, they have never been particularly close.

Agencies