Golf: Williams labelled a 'bully' in US newspapers

7.40am

LONDON - Golf caddie Steve Williams has been labelled a 'bully' in a scathing article published in newspapers across the United States.

Tiger Woods posted a note on his website last week in the wake of his New Zealand caddie first kicking over a photographer's lens and then confiscating another camera during the recent US Open.

William's actions drew enormous criticism at Shinnecock Hills with Woods agreeing Williams went a bit too far but indicating "Steve was just trying to protect me and let his emotions get the best of him".

But in an article, syndicated from the east to west coast of the US, Williams has been taken to task for his actions with suggestions the frustration currently being experienced by the long time world No 1 is down to Williams.

Williams also has been accused of having a track record for attacking photographers over the past few years.

In a 2002 Skins match, a fan took of photo of Woods that forced Woods into miscuing a shot from a bunker and that drew the immediate ire of Woods and Williams.

Williams reacted by taking the camera and tossing it into a greenside lake with Williams later claiming the camera slipped from his hands, but others in attendance didn't agree.

The next week at Woods' own Target World Challenge in Los Angeles, Woods defended Williams, indicating he was willing to cover the cost of a replacement camera.

"In trying to protect Tiger, Williams has become a bully," said the article's author, Bob Buttitta.

And Woods, as Buttitta said, is trying to divert attention from Williams by suggesting that tournament officials need to do a better job regulating the use of cameras, whether they're official media accredited or belonging to members of the public.

"But that doesn't give Williams the right to take matters into his own hands.

"Williams' job is to carry Woods' bag and give him advice about which clubs to hit or how a particular putt might break.

"He's not a bodyguard and he's not in security, so when those type of matters arise, he should let the trained personnel handle things.

"By virtue of Woods' success, Williams has become a minor celebrity. Perhaps the attention has gone to Williams' head.

"He seems to think he's above reproach when it comes to his behaviour on the golf course.

"Williams is wrong. Because he carries Tiger's bag, that does not give him special privileges."

- NZPA