Sometimes things need to be said regardless of the repercussions.
That was the case for Tiger Woods’ former caddie Steve Williams who once felt the need to push the boundaries of his professional relationship with the star.
Williams handed Woods a public dressing down, and one that on another day could have had huge consequences.
The incident occurred in the heat of battle at Augusta with Woods in the mix for Masters glory.
And with tensions high, Williams took a calculated risk for his career but one he believes was worth it.
“I’d only ever dressed Tiger down once at Augusta and we’d had a bit of an argument on the third tee,” Williams recalled.
“I’d been out in the morning and scoured the golf course. So on the third tee it’s a par four and sometimes they move the tee up on Sunday which makes it possible to drive it on the green.
“I told Tiger that on the range but there was no conversation about it.
“We got there and he didn’t want to hit driver and at the time he was four shots back. I didn’t see why he didn’t want to, it was an easy shot.
“He ended up taking driver because I’d coached him into it and he hit a terrible shot, an absolute s*** shot over into the right trees. He was bitter and he was carrying on and sulking away.
“We got up to the ninth hole and I dressed him down and gave him an absolute earful and you do so knowing if he takes it the wrong way he might fire you after the round.
“But it needed to be said and after the round he said ‘hey thanks very much for that, I deserve that.’”
