It is no secret, Tiger Woods always considered Arnold Palmer as his role model. But as for the golf world, they often compared the two legends, stating that both were the revolutionaries of their time. However, it was only recently that Woods’ former caddie revealed how much the older legend impacted Woods and his career.

Steve Williams is the former caddie of Woods. Although the two parted ways a while ago, Williams still supports Tiger and cherishes the time spent together. Notably, it was Williams who opened on how the death of Palmer had an enormous impact on Tiger’s life.

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How did Arnold Palmer’s death affect Tiger Woods? 

Steve Williams had contributed to the AthletesVoice’s article on Tiger Woods back in 2019. It was through this article the former caddie expressed what he thought might have caused Woods’ return in 2017.

According to Williams, Woods was a fan of Arnold Palmer. He always tried to win the Arnold Palmer Invitational at the Bay Hill so that the legend would congratulate him afterward. That’s how much the GOAT admired the golf legend. 

“Arnold had so much charisma and time for the fans – and deep down I think Tiger wanted to carry on Arnold’s legacy,” Williams said.

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Williams had noticed that Tiger always admired Palmer’s way of approaching the fans and hence, wanted to carry on his legacy. So, when Palmer passed away in 2016, Woods realized that the golf community had lost its most popular golfer ever. 

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“It was about a year after Arnold died that Tiger started his comeback after his back surgery and I think he may have decided that with his second chance he wanted to be remembered the way Arnold was remembered. I do think the passing of Arnie had a change in that respect,” Williams concluded the article. 

The legacy of Arnold Palmer

Palmer began his professional career in 1954 and turned the golf world upside down with his “unorthodox swing.” The legend had won 92 championships worldwide, including 7 majors. 

Apart from playing professionally, Palmer also worked as a golf consultant for Golf Channel and founded a golf course design company called the Arnold Palmer Design Company. Arnold was often called “Arnie” and was one of the most loved and respected golfers on the tour.

Tiger also had an incredible career from the start. However, according to his caddie, Tiger still thinks he has a lot to do to further carry on Arnold Palmer’s legacy in the game.