Tiger Woods has ended one of his longest relationships: With his caddie of 13 years, Steve Williams.
Confirming what many golf fans have suspected for months, Woods said in a statement on his website Wednesday: "I want to express my deepest gratitude to Stevie for all his help, but I think it's time for a change."
Williams worked with Woods, 35, as he racked up 13 of his 14 big-time championships. He has been working with another pro, Adam Scott, since Woods' recent injury took him out of the sport. "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."
But Williams — who stood by Woods during his disastrous 2009 adultery scandal and 2010 divorce — wasn't exactly pleased with the news.
"After 13 years of loyal service needless to say this came as a shock," Williams wrote on his own website. "Given the circumstances of the past 18 months working through Tiger's scandal, a new coach and with it a major swing change and Tiger battling through injuries I am very disappointed to end our very successful partnership at this time. I have had the opportunity to work of late for Australian Adam Scott and will now caddy for him on a permanent basis."
