Stevie: I Should Have Left Tiger Right After Scandal Broke

/

In a lengthy interview with Graham Bensinger recorded before controversial remarks in Shanghai, luggage looper Stevie Williams says he should have left his man when scandal broke so he could go out on a high note.

“I think everything you do in life, you’d like to go out on a high as opposed to a low,” Williams said. “Looking back, perhaps after Tiger competed down here in Australia at the Australian Masters, it was a very memorable win. I really enjoyed that tournament. That was the last event he played before all the events transpired. Perhaps I should have, you know, left him then.”

And...

“I didn’t know all was going to happen, obviously. I didn’t know what was about to unfold. Looking back, my gut feeling at some time said that was a good way to finish."

Here's the interview:

Steiny: "I think there is significantly different sentiment in the media than the public."

/
The stomach can only handle so much (though I must say, the food Down Under is dynamite), so I have postponed reading Bob Harig's story on Tiger's new bag deal for fear of agitation. Instead, we get to see just how completely disconnected from reality Tiger agent Mark Steinberg is from reality.
Read More

Tiger And Stevie Summit Concluded; Tiger's Assured Stevie's Not A Racist

/
Because of electrical difficulties my Qantas flight was late and I subsequently missed Tiger's Emirates Australian Open presser (the Golf Gods looking out for me?), but Dennis Passa and many others were there to report on Tiger's first public appearance since Stevie Williams uttered his regrettable words.
Read More

Statement From Adam Scott Re: Stevie

/

Issued by the Australian Open folks:

STATEMENT FROM ADAM SCOTT

I take this opportunity to address the comments that were made by my caddy, Steve Williams, at the Annual Caddy Awards Dinner this week in Shanghai, and the subsequent media reporting.

I want it made very clear that I do not support nor condone racism. I believe 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 Steve's apology, knowing that he meant no racial slur with his comments.

On behalf of my team, I apologize personally to everyone that was offended by the reported comments. Please accept this apology so we can all move on.

I now consider the matter closed. I will not be making any further comment.

Stevie Case Closed, Say Commissioners Who Do Not Comment On Disciplinary Matters

/

So, let me get this straight. The PGA Tour does not comment on disciplinary matters, which was reaffirmed yesterday in the Steve Williams matter. Today, the PGA Tour and European Tour Commissioners Tim Finchem and George O'Grady issue a statementsaying "We are aware he has apologised fully and we trust we will not hear such remarks again."

Iain Carter reports on the rest, which sounds like teachers scolding 5th graders:

Their statement added: "The International Federation of PGA Tours feels strongly there is no place for any form of racism in ours or any other sport.

"We consider the remarks of Steve Williams, as reported, entirely unacceptable in whatever context.

"We are aware he has apologised fully and we trust we will not hear such remarks again. Based on this, we consider the matter closed and we will have no further comment."

Doug Ferguson says Adam Scott was shown the statement after his 73 Sunday and is not concerned the story will linger.

The following week is the Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne, where Scott and Woods - or is that Williams and Woods? - could face each other in any of the four days of competition.

Scott tried to deflect speculation that he could be walking into a frenzy Down Under.

"Hopefully, it's just for my good play rather than anything else. I don't think there's a story going forward," he said, adding that "the matter has been put to bed and I've got nothing more to talk about it with anyone. So I'm moving on."