Steve Williams Shows Little Class at Bridgestone Invitational
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Updated: Sun 8/7/2011 5:45 pm
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August 7, 2011 - Adam Scott captured in his 8th win on the PGA Tour and first World Golf Championships Event at the Bridgestone Invitational. Scott essentially did everything well. He drove it long, hit it straight, putted it well and arguably most impressively, he handled the chaos surrounding having Tiger Woods' former caddy on his bag.
Sure, while the added attention might have been a distraction for some, Scott preferred to focus on the positives of the relationship with this new caddy. This new guy, Steve Williams, has caddied for golf legends Greg Norman, Ray Floyd and of course, Tiger Woods. He'd also won 7 times before at Firestone and surely was going to be able to offer Scott some added "course knowledge" that less experienced loopers could provide.
Following Scott's birdie putt on the 72nd hole, the media quickly grabbed Scott for a post round interview. Scott, handling himself like the pro he is, spoke candidly about the advantage of having someone like Steve Williams on the bag.
Yet as quickly as they could, it seemed as if the media shuffled the tournament winner, Adam Scott to the scoring trailer so they could focus their energy on asking questions of none other than, Scott's caddy. But unfortunately, Steve Williams is yet to be regarded as Adam Scott's caddy, but rather Tiger Woods' former caddy.
It was the first event that Adam Scott and Steve Williams worked together since Tiger fired his caddy of 13 major championships and countless worldwide victories. And since the public announcement of Williams' firing, Williams has been critical of Woods' decision to let him go after all they've been through. Sure, the timing was a bit questionable but given who Tiger Woods' is and how he's handled his relationships over the years, it should come as no surprise the Woods - Williams partnership was coming to an end. History proves, as soon as Woods questions your loyalty - your gone.
So when Williams was interviewed just off the 18th green following his bosses birdie on the 72nd hole, it was surprising that Williams took a little extra satisfaction from the victory. It was Tiger's return to the PGA Tour after an extended layoff and his first week as Scott's official bag man. The timing of this win couldn't be any sweeter on the vindication scale. Yet, as Williams commented in the post round interview, "I've caddied for 33 years, 145 wins, and this has been the best week of my life," one would wonder if Williams is living in a fantasy land. Does he realize he didn't hit a single shot for any of these 145 wins?
You can understand Williams' frustration with his former boss and the sense of vindication. Sure, even a little chest pumping behind closed doors would be acceptable. But to make it all about you in your first post round interview as a member of the winning team of Scott - Williams, you show the same egotistic attitude of your former boss. It's clear this week was all about you and not about your guy - Adam Scott. I'm a big fan of the caddy / player relationship and appreciate the value of having the right guy or gal in your ear as you handle the pressures of finishing off a golf tournament. But not once did he reference how composed Adam Scott was during this final round. Not once did he reference how excited he was to be working with a player committed to growing and maturing as a golfer. Not once did he thank Adam Scott for including him on what could be an amazing ride. No, it was all about making a point that he won and Tiger didn't. As Williams' himself said, he's a believer in destiny and should his guy get back in contention again it could very well be Tiger Woods he has to get through to win his first major championship. Don't forget, for most of the past decade, it was Tiger Woods you had to get through if you expected to win a major championship. Destiny, just might bite Steve Williams in the ass and it will be Adam Scott who pays the price.
