Steve Williams is a world-renowned caddie and for all the right reasons. But you might also remember him from the infamous firing incident he had with Tiger Woods. The 15-time major winner fired Williams after 12 years of service after the 2011 US Open. That did not demotivate the veteran caddie, as he continued to do what he loved and even wrote a book, Out of the Rough: Inside the Ropes with the World’s Greatest Golfers, that came out in 2015. This was his memoir, which consisted of moments from inside the ropes from his time caddying for the golf greats. Successful stints have now helped Steve Williams to have a net worth of $20 million.
Based on his extensive experience, Williams shares the surprising key to his success in his memoir. Notably, this strategy was often employed with none other than Tiger Woods himself, revealing a fascinating dynamic between the two.
Steve Williams played mind games to be fearless
In his book, the 60-year-old caddie revealed a surprising tactic he used to get the best out of his players: occasionally withholding or distorting information. This unorthodox approach was employed to influence players’ decision-making and boost confidence in high-pressure situations.
When golfers face uncertain situations, such as navigating creeks or thick rough, they rely on their caddie for clear guidance. And the renowned looper stressed the importance of providing absolute certainty in these moments, even if it means making tough calls. He puts it in his book on page number 25, “If a player asks you a question, they don’t want to hear umming and ahhing—they want a firm answer.” This emphasis on certainty led Williams to sometimes withhold or distort information, such as yardages, to influence his players’ decisions.
Williams admits to using this tactic with Tiger Woods, saying, “I often did this with Tiger.” He acknowledged that this approach may seem unorthodox but argued it was necessary to give his players the edge they needed to win. As he wrote, “In those cases, I was less of a confidence booster than a confidence trickster.”
Moreover, his unconventional tactics, blended with Woods’s extraordinary talent, created an unbeatable synergy that ruled the golf world for over a decade. The Williams-Woods era (1999–2011) was a golden age in golf, with Tiger Woods claiming 13 major championships under the looper’s guidance, which he has acknowledged in the past.
But is Tiger Woods the only top name the Hall of Famer caddie has ever caddied for? No, he has some other big names up his sleeve. Let’s explore the highlights of his journey and some of the players he’s worked with.
Williams’ illustrious career beyond Tiger Woods
While his partnership with Tiger Woods is iconic, Williams’s caddying journey began long before. At just ten years old, he started caddying at his home club in New Zealand. By 13, he worked with Australian legend Peter Thomson, a five-time Open Championship winner.
At just 19, Williams joined forces with Greg Norman in 1982, caddying for him in Asia, Australia, and Europe. After a brief stint in the US with Norman, he was let go in 1989 but quickly found work with Raymond Floyd. He caddied for Floyd on the regular and senior US tours until 1999, amassing a wealth of experience and expertise.
This extensive background laid the groundwork for his future success, including his remarkable partnership with Woods. With a career spanning over four decades, the looper has worked with some of golf’s biggest names, including Adam Scott, LPGA golfer Danielle Kang, and Jason Day.
The candid insight offered a glimpse into the psychological trickery behind the scenes in professional golf.
