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Tiger pained by caddie's foul-mouthed outburst

(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-12-17 13:52

LOS ANGELES: Tiger Woods has expressed disappointment over derogatory comments made by his long-time caddie Steve Williams about fellow American golfer Phil Mickelson.

Tiger Woods holds the trophy after winning on the first hole of a sudden death playoff against Rocco Mediate following a playoff round at the US Open golf championship at Torrey Pines in San Diego in this June 16, 2008 file photo. [Agencies]

World No 1 Woods said on Monday he had dealt with the matter, describing words attributed to Williams in a New Zealand newspaper as "inappropriate".

New Zealander Williams was quoted by the Taranaki Daily News on Saturday as saying: "I wouldn't call Mickelson a great player ... 'cause I hate the prick."

The following day, Williams told the Sunday Star-Times the quote was accurate while adding he was surprised his comments made during a charity event had reached the public.

"I was simply honest and said they (Mickelson and Woods) don't get along," Williams told the newspaper. "You know what it's like. You're at a charity event and you have a bit of fun.

"I don't particularly like the guy (Mickelson) myself. He pays me no respect at all and hence I don't pay him any respect. It's no secret we don't get along either."

In a statement issued on Monday, 14-time major winner Woods said: "I was disappointed to read the comments attributed to Steve Williams about Phil Mickelson, a player that I respect.

"It was inappropriate. The matter has been discussed and dealt with."

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Mickelson's management team had responded 24 hours earlier in reaction to what it said were "grossly inaccurate and irresponsible statements" made by Williams.

"After seeing Steve Williams' comments, all I could think of was how lucky I am to have a class act like (caddie) Bones (Jim Mackay) on my bag and representing me," world No 3 Mickelson said.

A three-time major champion, left-hander Mickelson has long been regarded as the likeliest challenger to the dominant Woods. While the two players share a mutual respect, they have never been particularly close.

Agencies