Archive for the ‘Golf news’ Category
November 10, 2011
Phil Mickelson says hes keen to compete at this weeks Singapore Open to show off the fruits of his effort in home practice sessions to improve his game.
Mickelson has slipped out of the world top 10 after winning only one tournament this year, the Houston Open in April.
“Ive been back home practicing and playing for about a month, and Ive been itching to play because I feel Ive been playing well and shooting some low scores,” Mickelson said on Wednesday. “Im excited because I feel like I have some really good golf ahead of me.”
The American, who at No. 11 will be the highest-ranked player in the event, has yet to win in Singapore in four attempts.
Mickelson said he expects the No. 1 ranking to keep changing hands frequently. The three-time Masters champ has yet to be No. 1.
“We dont have the same separation that we had for almost a decade as we had when Tiger was dominating,” he said. “I think it will be more fluid for the next while.”
Mickelson declined to comment on Woods former caddie Steve Williams using a racial slur to disparage Woods at a caddies award party in Shanghai last week. Williams has issued an apology for his remark.
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November 9, 2011
Tiger Woods says he received an apology from former caddie Steve Williams over a racial slur when the two met and shook hands Tuesday.
“We talked this morning, we met face to face and talked about it, talked it through,” Woods said, ahead of the Australian Open at The Lakes Golf Club.
Tiger Woods: He [Williams] did apologize. It was hurtful, certainly, but life goes forward. (Getty Images) Williams disparaging comment came during a caddies awards party Friday in Shanghai.
“It was a wrong thing to say, something that we both acknowledge,” Woods said. “He did apologize. It was hurtful, certainly, but life goes forward.”
Woods said it was not up to him to call for sanctions against Williams. The PGA Tour and European Tour have said no action would be taken against Williams for the comment.
“Stevies certainly not a racist,” Woods said Tuesday. “Theres no doubt about that. It was a comment that shouldnt have been made and was certainly one that he wished he didnt make.”
He was asked how two people so close together for more than a decade - Williams was with Woods for 13 of his 14 majors over 13 years - could become so distant so quickly. Woods fired Williams in July.
“Thats a great question, I dont know that one,” Woods said. “For me personally it was a tough decision to make to go in a different direction in my personal life, but as far as personally, I dont know how it could have happened the way it did. But it just did and here we are.
“Its just one of those things where well see what time does and as we all know, time does heal wounds.”
Asked for the source of the animosity between them, Woods said: “Thats between Stevie and me. We talked it through, and well leave it at that.”
On Monday, Greg Norman called Williams comment stupid, but also said he felt the New Zealand caddie was not a racist.
“Weve all made stupid comments at stupid times, unfortunately his stupid comment became global news,” Norman said. “I know he probably regrets saying it, but I guarantee you in that room on that night there was probably some heavier things said.”
Adam Scott, who employs Williams full time, said in a statement that he believes “there is absolutely no room for racial discrimination in any walk of life, including the game of golf.”
“I have discussed this matter directly with Steve and he understands and supports my view on this subject. I also accept Steves apology, knowing that he meant no racial slur with his comments. I now consider the matter closed. I will not be making any further comment.”
Woods and Scott are playing in the Australian Open, which has attracted a strong field due to the Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne next week.
Norman said any feud between Woods and Williams needs to be sorted out.
“Because of the temperature that was going on between the two of them, anything that is said or not said is going to exacerbate whatever that feeling is,” Norman said.
“I hope it gets resolved. Golf doesnt need it. Golf needs Tiger back playing great golf like he used to. Golf needs the cohesiveness thats always existed.”
On Tuesday, Woods said he is injury-free for the first time in months, allowing him to practice at an accelerated rate.
“My bad rounds need to be under par, not over par,” Woods said. “Thats something I havent done through this stretch.”
That stretch is a victory drought of nearly two years - his last win on any tour was at the Australian Masters in November 2009.
Weeks later, news of his infidelities surfaced, followed by a divorce, injuries and swing changes, leaving his win at Kingston Heath in Melbourne his last tour victory anywhere.
On Monday, Woods said “Ive had a ruptured ACL (anterior cruciate ligament), Ive had a broken leg, a torn Achilles, and strained ligaments over the last five years. Ive been rehabbing for so long I havent been able to train.”
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November 8, 2011
Frank Bensel overcame an eight-stroke deficit Sunday to win the Callaway Golf PGA Assistant Championship for the second straight year, shooting a 6-under 66 in windy conditions for an improbable one-stroke victory.
The 43-year-old Bensel, the PGA assistant professional at Century Country Club in Purchase, N.Y., had an eagle, five birdies and just one bogey to finish at 5-under 283 on PGA Golf Clubs Wanamaker Course.
“I couldnt believe it. This game is so unpredictable,” Bensel said. “I knew the only way I was going to get back into the tournament was to have the wind howl again and make some putts. Both of those things happened.”
He earned a spot in the PGA Professional National Championship in June, and the top 10 finishers and ties received berths in the first stage of the 2012 PGA Tour qualifying tournament.
Third-round leaders Aaron Clark of Springfield, Mo., and Scott Berliner of Albany, N.Y., shot 75s to tie for second with Jamie Broce of Clayton, Ind.; Tyler Hitchcock of Orlando, Fla.; Ryan Sikora of Greensburg, Pa.; and Richard Terga of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.
Bensel holed out from 118 yards for eagle on the par-4 12th.
“I really started off slow, but then caught fire on six,” Bensel said. “And then on 12, I knew the shot was good, but didnt actually know it went in right away because of a ridge right in front of the cup.”
He parred the difficult 18th hole.
“The 18th hole was playing hard with the pin up, water in front and the wind in our face,” Bensel said. “But I snuck by with a par and that ended up saving me in the end.”
Bensel became the fourth player to win more than one title, joining Darrell Kestner (1982, 87), Jim Schuman (1996, 97) and Kyle Flinton (2002, 03, 05).
“It was a great day for me today,” Bensel said. “The course was extremely hard and I caught some breaks. I feel privileged to win this championship not once, but twice. Its special.”
Aaron Clark, a PGA apprentice at Twin Oaks Country Club in Springfield, Mo., had a chance to get into a playoff with Bensel, but his 3½-foot par putt hit the back of the hole and lipped out.
“On 18, I hit a bad second shot, a good chip, and then the 3½-footer I had left hit the back of the hole and came out,” Clark said. “But the two double bogeys earlier in the round today really sealed my fate.”
Berliner, who had a share of the lead in each of the first three rounds, also had a chance to force a playoff. His 6-foot birdie putt on the final hole came up short.
“The front nine was a disaster,” said Berliner, a PGA assistant pro at Normanside Country Club in Delmar, N.Y. “But I got back into it with birdies on 15 and 16 to give myself a chance. I knew what I needed to do and I hit a pitching wedge to 6 feet. But I left it short. I know I will take something from this later, but right now its pretty tough.”
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November 8, 2011
Greg Norman defended caddie Steve Williams over his racial slur about Tiger Woods, saying the comments were “stupid” but that he doesnt believe Williams is racist.
Norman, speaking Monday at The Lakes, where hell begin play in the Australian Open on Thursday, also said Williams current employer Adam Scott should ignore calls to release him. Scott later issued a statement reiterating he will stand by Williams, and saying that he considers the issue closed.
“Weve all made stupid comments at stupid times, unfortunately his stupid comment became global news,” Norman said. “I know he probably regrets saying it but I guarantee you in that room on that night there was probably some heavier things said.”
Norman, who had Williams on his bag for several years in the 1980s, replied “no, not at all,” when asked Monday if Williams was racist.
More on golf Blog Steve Elling
Steve Williams tried to set the context of his gaffe, but only made it worse. Read More >> Related links Elling: Tours pay lip service to Williams slur
Scott said in a statement later Monday that he believes “there is absolutely no room for racial discrimination in any walk of life, including the game of golf.”
“I have discussed this matter directly with Steve and he understands and supports my view on this subject. I also accept Steves apology, knowing that he meant no racial slur with his comments. I now consider the matter closed. I will not be making any further comment.”
Woods and Scott are also playing in the Australian Open, which has attracted a strong field due to the Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne next week.
Norman disagreed with possible, but extremely unlikely, moves to pair Woods and Scott together this week in Sydney for the first two rounds of the Australian Open. It was also suggested to Norman, the captain of the International side for the Presidents Cup, that he might send Scott out against Woods in the team event in Melbourne.
“Everybody wants me to pair Adam and Tiger next week, right, and Im sure there was a question about pairing Adam and Tiger this week,” Norman said. “Of course, everybody wants to see it. I dont think its the right thing to do from a promotional aspect, No. 1, because it should just be an automatic draw.
“I dont think there is any issue between Tiger and Adam at all.”
Norman said any feud between Woods and Williams needs to be sorted out.
“Because of the temperature that was going on between the two of them, anything that is said or not said is going to exacerbate whatever that feeling is,” Norman said.
“I hope it gets resolved. Golf doesnt need it. Golf needs Tiger back playing great golf like he used to. Golf needs the cohesiveness thats always existed.
“Theres always been underlying currents, not everybody loves everybody and the people who dislike each other; we just have a tendency of parting our ways and not seeing each other. But to have it play out like its played out has been a bit sad for the game.”
Norman, asked if golf has a problem with racism, said: “No, not at all; never seen it; never seen it at all.”
Woods was in Melbourne on Monday at a corporate day. Its the city where he last won a tournament: the Australian Masters in November 2009.
Weeks later, news of his infidelities surfaced, followed by a divorce, injuries and swing changes.
On Monday, Woods told a Melbourne radio station that hes seeing a gradual improvement in his game. The radio interviewers were warned not to ask any questions about Williams.
“Ive had a ruptured ACL [anterior cruciate ligament], Ive had a broken leg, a torn Achilles, and strained ligaments over the last five years,” Woods said. “Ive been rehabbing for so long I havent been able to train. Im hitting faster, more explosive, my speeds come back. Im hitting the ball distances I know I can hit the golf ball again. Its getting fun.”
Woods played with cricket great Shane Warne, Warnes fiancee and English actress Liz Hurley and billionaire businessman James Packer at the private Capital Golf Club.
Woods flew back to Sydney later Monday. Hell conduct a media conference at The Lakes on Tuesday morning where hes expected to comment directly for the first time on Williamss remarks.
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November 7, 2011
Already one of the most festive evenings in golf, the annual Caddies Awards roast was buzzing with talk that Tiger Woods former caddie might be getting a prize.
One award was called “Celebration of the Year.” Everyone knew who would get it and why.
More on Williams controversy Steve Elling
Adam Scott, one of the classiest acts in the game, employs a caddie who has come to be defined by his arrogance. Read More >> WGC-HSBC Champions Jacobson has 2-shot lead | Leaderboard
The surprise was how Steve Williams ripped into his old boss with a racial slur that caused even more commotion involving the jilted caddie and golfs biggest name.
“Hes a character within the game of golf, and whatever bitterness that exists between him and Tiger should be in the past by now,” said Graeme McDowell, one of several players at the party. “Its unfortunate that its going to rear its head again.”
Williams, still angered over getting fired by Woods this summer, was working for Adam Scott when he won the Bridgestone Invitational. That tournament also was the first time Woods played since splitting with his caddie. An emotionally charged Williams gave a TV interview on the 18th green and called it “the best win of my life,” even though he had been on the bag for 13 majors with Woods.
On Friday night, the host called Williams to the stage to collect his award and asked him to explain his enthusiasm. Williams, with a smirk on his face, leaned toward the microphone and said.”
On a night filled with banter and off-color remarks, this one was a show-stopper. Heads turned, eyes widened and jaws dropped amid a mixture of shock and laughter.
Williams later issued a statement apologizing to Woods. That was good enough for Scott, who said he had no plans to fire his caddie.
Steve Williams (left), now caddying for Adam Scott, shows more disdain for Tiger Woods. (Getty Images) “I think everything in that room last night was all in good spirits and for a bit of fun,” Scott said after his third round Saturday at the HSBC Champions. “And I think it probably got taken out of that room in the wrong context.”
Even as players and caddies spilled some because of the racial overtones, some because of how Williams so openly showed his disdain for Woods.
The ground rules for the roast is that everything is off the record, yet this was bound to get out.
A group of British reporters returning from a night out in Shanghai were at the hotel bar when at least one caddie told them what was said. Williams was stunned the next morning to learn that his comments had been published.
“Why would they do that?” he said. “The whole thing was meant to be fun.”
He shook his head and walked away without wanting to say more. Hours later, Williams posted a comment on his website.
“I apologize for comments I made last night at the Annual Caddy Awards dinner in Shanghai,” it said. “Players and caddies look forward to this evening all year, and the spirit is always joking and fun. I now realize how my comments could be construed as racist. However, I assure you that was not my intent. I sincerely apologize to Tiger and anyone else Ive offended.”
Woods was in Australia, though it didnt take long for the comments to get back to him.
“I was with Tiger last night when he heard the news,” agent Mark Steinberg said. “We got multiple calls from people who sounded like they were leaving the caddie party. Tiger obviously wasnt there. He doesnt know exactly what was said. But if multiple reports - which all seem to be accurate - are true, then its sad its come down to this.”
“Its a regrettable comment, and theres really nothing that Tiger can do or say. Hes just going to move on.”
Scott said he was satisfied with Williams apology and that his comments were not reported in the right spirit of the evening. When asked if Williams should be fired, Scott said, “I disagree with that.”
“Look, anything with Tiger involved is a story,” Scott said. “I value Steves contribution to my game and having him on the bag. While hes caddying, I hope he can caddie for me.”
Scott said he did not talk to Williams about it after the awards party - both stayed to the end - or on the course Saturday morning. Asked about comments that Williams was racist, Scott replied, “I think we all know thats not the case.”
“Those things are not meant to go past that room,” Scott said. “Obviously, somebody took it out and thats the way it goes. Theres really no safe haven for what you say, and so youve got to be careful.”
Players who were at the party were careful to say nothing.
Ian Poulter walked away when the topic arose. Lee Westwood resorted to his dry wit when he replied, “Ive had an ear infection for two weeks and I couldnt hear a lot of what was going on, so it would be wrong for me to comment on anything.”
Beyond his choice of words was the deep resentment Williams expressed.
“Its just unfortunate that theres been such an argument between a player and a caddie,” U.S. Open champion Rory McIlroy said. “Ive heard that Stevie has apologized for his comments, and I think now that hes done that, everyone can just move on and put it behind them.”
Not so fast.
Woods and Scott are supposed to be in the same group next week at the Australian Open, and the following week is the Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne, where there is the chance they could face each other.
Scott feels stuck in the middle, so maybe its appropriate that he has a home in Switzerland.
“I dont think it should be awkward for me,” Scott said. “Im the guy stuck in the middle, but I dont really have a gripe with either guy. So its for them to sort out between themselves.”
Some felt that Williams should have lost his job three years ago when he used a disparaging comment about Mickelson during a dinner in New Zealand. Woods had him apologize to Mickelson.
McDowell was among several players who did not believe Williams was being racist with his comments, particularly in a night filled with slapstick humor.
“He takes one word out of that sentence, and nothing gets said about it,” McDowell said. “These are racially sensitive times, especially in sport.”
Last month, English soccer star John Terry allegedly made racial comments toward an opponent in Chelseas 1-0 loss to Queens Park Rangers in the Premier League.
McDowell called the situation with Williams “very sticky.”
“I kind of feel bad for him in many ways because it was a very humorous evening,” he said. “And its unfortunate that its come out as negatively as it did.”
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November 7, 2011
Martin Kaymer made nine birdies over his last 12 holes Sunday and closed with a 9-under 63 to win the HSBC Champions for the biggest comeback ever in a World Golf Championship.
Starting the final round five shots behind Fredrik Jacobson, with a host of stars around him, Kaymer ran off four straight birdies to start the back nine at Sheshan International. The German finally caught Jacobson with a birdie on the 13th, and then poured it on with key birdies on the final two holes.
WGC-HSBC Champions Leaderboard
Kaymer delivered the lowest closing round by a WGC winner since the series began in 1999, topping the 64 by Hunter Mahan last year at the Bridgestone Invitational.
The former PGA champion hasnt found golf to be this easy since he shot a 59 his first year as a pro on a mini-tour in Germany, when he was 14 under over his last 16 holes.
“I just played really good golf, and Im glad that it came together,” Kaymer said. “The last few weeks, I played good golf, but it has not happened yet. And this week, it was nice that it happened here, the World Golf Championship event.”
Kaymer is the 10th player to win a WGC and a major championship.
Adam Scott, hounded by questions over caddie Steve Williams racial slur against former boss Tiger Woods, got within two shots of the lead early in the round until making two soft bogeys and never recovering. He closed with a 73 and was eight shots behind.
Jacobson led by as many as three shots until a long three-putt bogey on the par-5 eighth. As Kaymer made his charge, the Swede came to life with birdies on the 12th and 14th to stay tied. Jacobsons hopes ended, however, when he pulled his tee shot into the rough left of the par-3 17th and failed to get par. He shot 71 and finished three shots behind.
“I wish I could have made maybe a couple of more putts along the way to really get a little bit of a cushion and put a little bit more pressure on Martin coming down the stretch,” Jacobson said. “I gave it my everything, and overall, a great week.”
Graeme McDowell closed with two birdies for a 67 to finish alone in third, quite a turnaround from last week in the Andalucia Masters when he failed to break 80 over the last two rounds at Valderrama.
Rory McIlroy made a short birdie on the par-5 18th that gave him a 69 and was significant for one other reason. With a three-way tie for fourth, he moved past Lee Westwood to the No. 2 ranking. Westwood, playing in the same group, shot 40 on the front nine and closed with a 74 to tie for 13th.
It was the second win of the year for Kaymer, who moves to No. 4.
He won his first tournament of the year at Abu Dhabi and became the top-ranked player at the end of February, holding the spot for eight weeks. Kaymer said he struggled with the attention of being No. 1, and the face of golf in Germany, and now was looking ahead.
“It was an OK year,” Kaymer said. “But now its a good year.”
Europe now occupies the first four positions in the world ranking, starting with Luke Donald at No. 1. Donald did not play in the HSBC Champions because his wife is expecting their second child. He remains the favorite for PGA Tour player of the year, however, as PGA champion Keegan Bradley had a 72-72 weekend and failed in his bid for a third victory this year.
Kaymer finished at 20-under 268 and earned $1.2 million.
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November 6, 2011
Fredrik Jacobson is working on his second PGA Tour victory. ( Starting the third round with the lead, Fredrik Jacobson kept his mistakes to a minimum, knocked in long birdie putts on consecutive holes and wound up with a 5-under 67 and a two-shot lead. It still wasnt enough to shake a world-class leaderboard at the HSBC Champions.
The final World Golf Championship of the year is living up to its billing.
“Everyone is going to be pumped up because its a great leaderboard going into the final round,” Louis Oosthuizen said. “I think everyone wants that title, so you are going to see some good golf.”
It already has been a treat in many ways over three rounds at Sheshan International.
Jacobson broke by two shots the 54-hole tournament record and was at 16-under 200 as he tries to win for the second time this year. As soft as it has been, this is no time to play conservatively.
WGC-HSBC Champions Elling: Williams drags Scott into new mess Leaderboard
Two shots behind was Oosthuizen, a British Open champion at St. Andrews, who birdied his last hole for a 68.
Joining them in the final group is Adam Scott, a former winner of The Players Championship, Tour Championship and a World Golf Championship. Despite growing controversy of his caddie Steve Williams racial slur about Tiger Woods at a private party, Scott went on a birdie-birdie-eagle finish to salvage a 69 and was only three behind.
“A 69 didnt distract me too badly in the end today,” Scott said.
Right behind them were U.S. Open champion Rory McIlroy (65) and former world No. 1 Lee Westwood (67) at 12-under 204, with former U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell (67) and former PGA champion Martin Kaymer (68) another shot back.
No other WGC this year has had so many stars on the leaderboard going into the last day.
The unknown in all this is Jacobson. His lone PGA Tour win came this year at the Travelers Championship. Kaymer knew little about that win, and not much more about the Swede, when he raised questions about how Jacobson would stand up to the Sunday pressure.
“If I play my game, maybe I can put a little pressure on him and make it tougher for him,” Kaymer said.
Luke Donald can probably breathe a little easier. His wife is expecting their second child, keeping him home from Shanghai. His hopes of winning PGA Tour player of the year depended largely on whether PGA champion Keegan Bradley could add a WGC to his amazing year. Bradley, however, had to settle for a 72 and was seven shots behind.
The pressure now shifts to Jacobson.
He looked as though he would have a comfortable margin when he knocked in a 30-foot birdie putt on the 13th, then picked up another bonus with a 40-foot birdie putt on the par-5 14th. Jacobson had to settle for four pars coming, while Oosthuizen and Scott made a late run to at least close the gap.
“It feels a lot better than playing from behind the rest of the guys because when youre behind you know you have to shoot a low number,” Jacobson said. “Leading, Ive still got to shoot a good score, but they will have to catch me. I sometimes feel a little bit stressed if I start off a few shots behind.”
Oosthuizen started showing some form toward the end of the season, and with more confidence in his putting on such good greens, is close enough to think about winning.
Scott remains the curious one for so many reasons.
He is trying to join Woods and Phil Mickelson as the only player to win multiple World Golf Championships in the same season, and th some of the spotlight to Williams that day when his caddie gave a TV interview on the 18th green and called it the “best win of my life.”
That was a dig at Woods, who officially fired him two weeks earlier, and Williams wanted to tweak him. He did more than that at a caddies award party Friday night, when he was given the “Celebration of the Year” award for that Firestone interview.
Asked about his exuberance while getting his award, Williams said.”
Williams apologized to Woods and others who took his remarks as racist by putting out a statement Saturday morning. If there was turbulence for Scott, it came on the front nine when he twice made soft bogeys, then tried to hit a ball out of the creek and left it in the water on the par-5 eighth, leading to double bogey. < a wedge to tap-in range on the 16th, a 5-iron to 8 feet for birdie on the 17th, and a wedge that spun back into the cup for eagle on the final hole.
“Managed to have a great finish and keep myself in the game for tomorrow, which is good,” Scott said. “Because for a while, I was so far away and felt like I wasted the week on a few bad swings.”
Scott said he was satisfied with Williams apology and had no plans to fire him.
Meanwhile, some drama was playing out in the group behind him. McIlroy appears to have had a mild falling out with Westwood. Both were part of International Sports Management until McIlroy abruptly left Chubby Chandlers group a few weeks ago to join the agency that represents McDowell - who will be the third in their group.
Westwood referred to it as a “bizarre decision” by McIlroy, and the 22-year-old from Northern Ireland stopped following Westwood. All this took place on Twitter. They will be with each other for 18 Carol walking inside the ropes as a special guest.
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November 6, 2011
Already one of the most festive evenings in golf, the annual Caddies Awards roast was buzzing with talk that Tiger Woods former caddie might be getting a prize.
One award was called “Celebration of the Year.” Everyone knew who would get it and why.
More on Williams controversy Steve Elling
Adam Scott, one of the classiest acts in the game, employs a caddie who has come to be defined by his arrogance. Read More >> WGC-HSBC Champions Jacobson has 2-shot lead | Leaderboard
The surprise was how Steve Williams ripped into his old boss with a racial slur that caused even more commotion involving the jilted caddie and golfs biggest name.
“Hes a character within the game of golf, and whatever bitterness that exists between him and Tiger should be in the past by now,” said Graeme McDowell, one of several players at the party. “Its unfortunate that its going to rear its head again.”
Williams, still angered over getting fired by Woods this summer, was working for Adam Scott when he won the Bridgestone Invitational. That tournament also was the first time Woods played since splitting with his caddie. An emotionally charged Williams gave a TV interview on the 18th green and called it “the best win of my life,” even though he had been on the bag for 13 majors with Woods.
On Friday night, the host called Williams to the stage to collect his award and asked him to explain his enthusiasm. Williams, with a smirk on his face, leaned toward the microphone and said.”
On a night filled with banter and off-color remarks, this one was a show-stopper. Heads turned, eyes widened and jaws dropped amid a mixture of shock and laughter.
Williams later issued a statement apologizing to Woods. That was good enough for Scott, who said he had no plans to fire his caddie.
Steve Williams (left), now caddying for Adam Scott, shows more disdain for Tiger Woods. (Getty Images) “I think everything in that room last night was all in good spirits and for a bit of fun,” Scott said after his third round Saturday at the HSBC Champions. “And I think it probably got taken out of that room in the wrong context.”
Even as players and caddies spilled some because of the racial overtones, some because of how Williams so openly showed his disdain for Woods.
The ground rules for the roast is that everything is off the record, yet this was bound to get out.
A group of British reporters returning from a night out in Shanghai were at the hotel bar when at least one caddie told them what was said. Williams was stunned the next morning to learn that his comments had been published.
“Why would they do that?” he said. “The whole thing was meant to be fun.”
He shook his head and walked away without wanting to say more. Hours later, Williams posted a comment on his website.
“I apologize for comments I made last night at the Annual Caddy Awards dinner in Shanghai,” it said. “Players and caddies look forward to this evening all year, and the spirit is always joking and fun. I now realize how my comments could be construed as racist. However, I assure you that was not my intent. I sincerely apologize to Tiger and anyone else Ive offended.”
Woods was in Australia, though it didnt take long for the comments to get back to him.
“I was with Tiger last night when he heard the news,” agent Mark Steinberg said. “We got multiple calls from people who sounded like they were leaving the caddie party. Tiger obviously wasnt there. He doesnt know exactly what was said. But if multiple reports - which all seem to be accurate - are true, then its sad its come down to this.”
“Its a regrettable comment, and theres really nothing that Tiger can do or say. Hes just going to move on.”
Scott said he was satisfied with Williams apology and that his comments were not reported in the right spirit of the evening. When asked if Williams should be fired, Scott said, “I disagree with that.”
“Look, anything with Tiger involved is a story,” Scott said. “I value Steves contribution to my game and having him on the bag. While hes caddying, I hope he can caddie for me.”
Scott said he did not talk to Williams about it after the awards party - both stayed to the end - or on the course Saturday morning. Asked about comments that Williams was racist, Scott replied, “I think we all know thats not the case.”
“Those things are not meant to go past that room,” Scott said. “Obviously, somebody took it out and thats the way it goes. Theres really no safe haven for what you say, and so youve got to be careful.”
Players who were at the party were careful to say nothing.
Ian Poulter walked away when the topic arose. Lee Westwood resorted to his dry wit when he replied, “Ive had an ear infection for two weeks and I couldnt hear a lot of what was going on, so it would be wrong for me to comment on anything.”
Beyond his choice of words was the deep resentment Williams expressed.
“Its just unfortunate that theres been such an argument between a player and a caddie,” U.S. Open champion Rory McIlroy said. “Ive heard that Stevie has apologized for his comments, and I think now that hes done that, everyone can just move on and put it behind them.”
Not so fast.
Woods and Scott are supposed to be in the same group next week at the Australian Open, and the following week is the Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne, where there is the chance they could face each other.
Scott feels stuck in the middle, so maybe its appropriate that he has a home in Switzerland.
“I dont think it should be awkward for me,” Scott said. “Im the guy stuck in the middle, but I dont really have a gripe with either guy. So its for them to sort out between themselves.”
Some felt that Williams should have lost his job three years ago when he used a disparaging comment about Mickelson during a dinner in New Zealand. Woods had him apologize to Mickelson.
McDowell was among several players who did not believe Williams was being racist with his comments, particularly in a night filled with slapstick humor.
“He takes one word out of that sentence, and nothing gets said about it,” McDowell said. “These are racially sensitive times, especially in sport.”
Last month, English soccer star John Terry allegedly made racial comments toward an opponent in Chelseas 1-0 loss to Queens Park Rangers in the Premier League.
McDowell called the situation with Williams “very sticky.”
“I kind of feel bad for him in many ways because it was a very humorous evening,” he said. “And its unfortunate that its come out as negatively as it did.”
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November 5, 2011
Tiger Woods former caddie caused another sensation, this time by using a racial slur to disparage his old boss during a caddies award roast in Shanghai.
Steve Williams received a mock award Friday night for “Celebration of the Year” for his TV interview after Adam Scott won the Bridgestone Invitational. That was the day Williams said it was “the best win of his life,” despite being on the bag with Woods for 13 majors.
Steve Williams (left), now caddying for Adam Scott, gets into hot water again by speaking of his old boss. (Getty Images) At an awards party filled with banter, Williams said of his interview.”
That line drew the biggest reaction at a party attended by several players, caddies, officials and some media. There was a mixture of laughter and shock, with some players turning to each other with eyes widened and jaws agape.
The provision of the party is that all comments are off the record, yet several caddies couldnt stop talking about it long after it was over. Approached early the next morning at breakfast, Williams was stunned to learn that British tabloids had gone with the story.
“Why would they do that?” he said. “The whole thing was meant to be fun.”
Hours later, Williams posted a comment on his website.
“I apologize for comments I made last night at the Annual Caddy Awards dinner in Shanghai,” it said. “Players and caddies look forward to this evening all year, and the spirit is always joking and fun. I now realize how my comments could be construed as racist. However, I assure you that was not my intent. I sincerely apologize to Tiger and anyone else Ive offended.”
Woods was in Australia, though it didnt take long for the comments to get back to him.
“I was with Tiger last night when he heard the news,” Mark Steinberg, his agent at Excel Sports Management, told the Associated Press. “We got multiple calls from people who sounded like they were leaving the caddie party. Tiger obviously wasnt there. He doesnt kn are true, then its sad its come down to this.”
“Its a regrettable comment, and theres really nothing that Tiger can do or say. Hes just going to move on.”
Several players who were at the dinner said Saturday morning they did not want to comment. Scott was preparing for his third round of the HSBC Champions, where he was one shot out of the lead. He is going for his second World Golf Championship of the year.
Its not the first time Williams has gotten into trouble for his words.
Three years ago at a dinner banquet in New Zealand, he made a disparaging remark about Phil Mickelson. Williams said that was meant in fun, though Woods had him apologize to Mickelson.
The comments in Shanghai took on an even more sensitive nature among the British press because of soccer player John Terrys alleged racial comments toward Anton Ferdinand during Chelseas 1-0 loss to Queens Park Rangers in a Premier League loss last month.
Even though Williams said his comments were meant in fun to match the spirit of the evening, there was no disguising the animosity Williams feels over getting fired this summer.
What made Williams reaction at Firestone so pointed is that it was the first time Woods and Scott were in and it was Scotts first win of the year.
Williams has disputed Woods version of how their partnership ended, and he said at Firestone that he was short-shrifted by Woods despite his loyalty to the former No. 1 player during the sex scandal that derailed his career.
These comments also put Scott in the middle of another mess, and it doesnt figure to go away soon.
Woods and Scott are to be in the same group next week at the Australian Open, and theres chance they also could face off at the Presidents Cup in Melbourne the week after.
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November 5, 2011
Adam Scott can join rare company with a second World Golf Championship. Keegan Bradley still has hopes of winning PGA Tour player of the year. Paul Casey thought his PGA Tour card was gone, and has a shot at getting it back.
The HSBC Champions, the semi-official end of the PGA Tour and the start of a big finish on the European Tour, offers a little bit of everything to so many players.
Scott, Bradley and Casey put themselves in contention Friday on a humid, overcast day at Sheshan International. They were chasing Fredrik Jacobson, who rattled off six birdies and kept mistakes off his card for a 6-under 66. Jacobson tied the tournament record at 11-under 133 and led by one shot over Scott and Louis Oosthuizen going into the weekend.
WGC-HSBC Champions Leaderboard
Jacobson, a Swede who lives and plays primarily in America, won his first PGA Tour title this year at the Travelers Championship and believes his game has improved to the point that he can think about getting on his first Ryder Cup team.
Thats still 10 months away.
There are more immediate goals for others in Shanghai, and not just of the PGA Tour variety.
U.S. Open champion Rory McIlroy still has the best chance of running down Luke Donald on the European Tour money list, though he might need to win the HSBC Champions and fare well in Hong Kong in three weeks to make a real game of it. McIlroy sputtered along Friday on a day of supreme scoring, trading birdies with too many bogeys for a 69 that left him six shots behind.
“I was just always trying to play catch up,” McIlroy said. “I feel like over the past two days, Ive left quite a few shots out there. Its one of those things. I just have to try and make them up over the weekend.
“Ill need to do something pretty good over the weekend if I want to try and win this tournament.”
Scott was in much better shape after making nine birdies in his 18 holes and missing only one green in his round of 65.
As always, Scott feels as though he could have done more this year, though he wouldnt trade that one win at the Bridgestone Invitational. A win this week would allow him to join Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson as the only players to win multiple World Golf Championships in the same year. Woods did it five times, while Mickelson won at Doral and the HSBC in 2009.
“That would be a really good year,” Scott said. “I feel like overall I played really well this year, and I wouldnt say I would be disappointed to only win one tournament for the year. But I feel like Ive played well enough, and been in a position a few other times, and havent taken advantage of it. So I would like to be in a position late on Sunday and see if I can edge out the field here.
“And then to win two World Golf Championships … these are the tournaments that you want to add up by the end of your career.”
He certainly looked up to the task while playing alongside Bradley and Lee Westwood, a threesome that combined to make 16 birdies and an eagle that kept their gallery thoroughly entertained. Westwood wound up with a 68 and was four shots out of the lead.
Scott led the way by running off four straight birdies early in his round, capped off by a 7-iron from 190 yards to 3 feet on the par-3 sixth. It looked as though he might make it five in a row until he tried to ram in a 12-foot birdie putt, only to run it some 5 feet by the hole and three-putted for bogey. He bounced back with two more birdies to close out his front nine and get into the hunt.
Bradley might have the most at stake this week. A win at Sheshan International would be his PGA Tour-leading third win of the year, and with two of those being the PGA Championship and a WGC, it might be enough to be voted player of the year.
For now, Bradley was pleased to still be in the game.
He was even par on the back, and thankful for it. On two holes, Bradley left himself 10 feet and 12 feet away for par, and both times he holed the putt. He missed his last four tee shots, yet hit a sand wedge to 5 feet for birdie on the last hole to salvage a 70 and stay only two shots behind at the halfway point.
“The birdie on 18 was big,” Bradley said. “Today could have easily been even par, and I was 2 under. Im only two shots back. Im in a really good spot. I know I could shoot a really good number on this course agai hes 3 and was three shots behind. Joining him was Casey, who suddenly has a chance for a happy ending to an otherwise dour year.
Casey dealt most of the year with a foot injury that got his swing out of sync. His domestic PGA Tour season ended at Sea Island a few weeks ago when he missed the cut, and he wound up at No. 136 on the money list to lose his tour card.
However, just as it does for Bradley, a win at the HSBC Champions would count as official for PGA Tour members. That means Casey, who had limited status when he left for Shanghai, could return home with an official win and a three-year exemption.
“The season is not over yet, although I kind of feel like Im working toward next year already,” Casey said. “And the golf I played today is the golf I remember playing.”
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