Ever since his debut, Tiger Woods has had numerous on-course rivalries. However, the one that tops the list is his rivalry with Phil Mickelson. Over the past two decades, Woods and Mickelson have been two of the biggest names in golf, taking on each other on the grandest of stages. However, despite being each other’s greatest rivals, the two have made sure to not let their rivalry extend its arms outside the golf course.

When not on the course, the two share a strong bond and have often been seen supporting each other in testing times. However, while the two share a bond of this sort, that isn’t the case between Mickelson and Woods’ former caddie, Steve Williams.

Former caddie of Tiger Woods calls out Phil Mickelson for paying no respect

Steve Williams started working with Tiger Woods in 1999. In 2008, the Kiwi headed to his home country New Zealand to attend a charity event. During the event, he opened up about his views on Mickelson. He said, “I don’t particularly like the guy [Mickelson]. He pays me no respect at all and hence I don’t pay him any respect. It’s no secret we don’t get along either.” Furthermore, he even called Mickelson a ‘prick’.

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Caddying for Woods for years, it goes without saying that Williams also enjoyed a certain level of fame in the golf world. Something, which not only resulted in his words spreading across the golf world but also opened the doors for criticism. However, in a pile of criticism, one that made it to the spotlight was a response by Mickelson himself.

Learning about Williams’ comments, Mickelson responded by saying, “After seeing Steve Williams’ comments all I could think of was how lucky I am to have a class act like Bones (his caddie, Jim Mackay) on my bag and representing me.”  

As mentioned earlier, Woods and Mickelson have been arch rivals since the start. However, despite their rivalry, the two have made sure to stand for each other. This time was no different. Days after the incident, Woods came out in public, backing Mickelson. “I was disappointed to read the comments attributed to Steve Williams about Phil Mickelson, a player that I respect,” he said.

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Working together for 13 majors, Williams and Woods parted ways in 2011. A decade later, today, the three continue to walk on their paths to success. However, the incident continues to have a special mention in the relationship between Woods and Mickelson.

What are your views on Williams’ comment for Mickelson? Do let us know in the comments below.