subject: A different kind of year for Tiger Woods, and his caddie [print this page] A different kind of year for Tiger Woods, and his caddie
Tiger Woods and caddie Steve Williams talk over his second shot on the 18th hole during the third round of the Chevron World Challenge in Thousand Oaks, Calif.
Williams never heard from his boss a year ago in December when Woods' personal life was collapsing with each report of infidelity. Most people assumed Williams was part of the deceit, and even his repeated denials didn't change some opinions. Getting through the gossip on and off the course wasn't easy on Williams or his Taylormade Burner SuperFast Driver 2010 .
Getting back to the golf hasn't been as fun, either. Woods not only failed to win for the first time in his career, there were a couple of times when they finished a weekend round before lunch.
The caddie sure wasn't expecting a year like this.
"When you compete at this level, a large percentage of your success is due to your mental preparation," he said. "And evidently, Tiger's mind wasn't as sharp due to his own personal problems. He's come back from an injury before. I've caddied for him for 12 years, and the two times he had long layoffs, he came back like nothing had happened. I didn't think TaylorMade R9 SuperTri Driver a lot would change."
It didn't take long to realize he was wrong.
Sure, Woods returned at the Masters and got right back in the mix. He opened with a 68, closed with a 69 and tied for fourth. Williams knows his game better than anyone, and none of the indicators were appealing.
"Left Handed TaylorMade Burner Superfast Driver 2010 was evident after Augusta that it was going to be a bit of a struggle," Williams said. "Then, of course, he was questioning his own swing and whether it might be time to change his swing. As soon as he made that decision, I knew right there and then it was going to be more of a rebuilding year. Which is fine."
