NEW YORK, (Reuters) – Tiger Woods has parted company with longtime caddie Steve Williams and has not decided on a replacement while he works towards returning to competition from leg injuries.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to Stevie for all his help, but I think it’s time for a change,” Woods said in a statement posted on his website (www.tigerwoods.com).
“Stevie is an outstanding caddie and a friend and has been instrumental in many of my accomplishments. I wish him great success in the future.”
Williams had been a regular caddie for the former world number one since 1999.
Following last year’s U.S. Open, Woods told reporters there was no tension between him and Williams, despite having made comments that were widely interpreted as critical.
After the final round at Pebble Beach, Woods had said he had made three mental mistakes and gone against his instincts.
Woods, a 14-times major winner, hurt his knee and Achilles tendon during the U.S. Masters in April and has not played since he pulled out of the Players Championship in May after playing just nine holes.
