Williams had 'inkling' days with Woods were numbered

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Steve Williams with Tiger Woods at the Chevron World Challenge in Dec. 2010.

After 12 years, 63 wins and 13 major championships together, caddie Steve Williams said he was surprised -- but not shocked -- that Tiger Woods decided to fire him following the final round of the AT&T National earlier this month.

The announcement wasn't made until Wednesday, via Woods' website, because Williams didn't want it to be a distraction for Adam Scott during the British Open. Williams has been on Scott's bag since Woods was sidelined with an injury during THE PLAYERS two months ago.

"Sometimes you get an inkling something's going to happen," Williams said via cell phone from Sunriver, Ore. "One of my strengths as a caddie is the psychology of players and I just had a feeling things were not right. I'm not sure why, really, but I did.

"I don't begrudge Tiger. He feels he needs to make a change. But the timing for me is something I'm very disappointed in. Given what's transpired the last 18 months, you can't find a more loyal person than I've been."

Williams said Woods informed him in person at Aronimink that his services would no longer be required.

Wednesday, Woods said on his website, "I want to express my deepest gratitude to Stevie for all his help, but I think it's time for a change. 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."

That future for Williams is now with Scott, who Williams, a New Zealander, has known since before the Aussie turned pro in 2000.

Scott has one top five finish -- a tie for third at, ironically, the AT&T National -- in the three starts Williams has been on his bag.

Williams added that he hadn't had any contact with Woods from when Woods was hurt and when Woods fired him, other than to ask permission to caddie for Scott, which Woods willingly granted.

"There's no question the last 18 months have been a very difficult time for myself," said Williams, who has also caddied for Greg Norman, among others, in his career. "It's not something you go through typically in this profession.

"In my other sort of profession, I race cars and when you have a big wreck, it's over and done with. That's how I've treated this. I'm excited about the future."

As for Woods, he has yet to name a replacement, nor has a date for his return from injury been announced.

"When you work as a caddie, there's no guarantee," Williams said. "I understand how this business works. I know how it works that when a player is not performing at his best they often act to make a change, whether it's a coach, caddie or psychologist.

"There are reasons why, but that's between Tiger and me."