Albeit the feats of Tiger Woods in the sport of golf are beyond imaginable, many still regard his character and personality off the course much higher. His long-time caddie Steve Williams once was the center of attention for a questionable racist remark about the golfer. However, Tiger stayed by his caddie’s side during the tough phase. Let’s take a look at what Williams had to say about the Hall of Famer.

Williams caddied for Woods since 1999. However, their decade-long professional relationship ended in 2011, when the Kiwi was sacked by Tiger. A few months after their separation, Steve Williams was invited to the Caddie of the Year award function in Shanghai, China. The pleasant evening was then ruined for the caddie as comments from the event soon became headlines everywhere.

Tiger Woods’ former caddie gets into trouble for a racist remark

After being sacked in 2011 by Woods, Williams was hired by Australian golfer Adam Scott to be his caddie. The Australian continent duo won the WGC Bridgestone Invitational that year. Following Scott’s triumph, Williams claimed it was the “greatest victory of my career”.

Considering the fact that Willaims had won 13 Majors with Tiger Woods, the statement seemed a little exaggerated. When asked in the award show the reason behind his obnoxious statement, Steve Williams said, “I wanted to shove it up that black ar***ole”, while referring to Tiger.

Read More: ‘He Thought He Knew It All’: Earl Woods Once Disclosed Mature Mentality of Tiger Woods Like Himself

The media wasted no time in making it the headline. The Kiwi was under massive scrutiny from left, right, and center. Williams eventually apologized for his comments. Though the caddie was criticized publicly by many, the victim of the statement, Tiger Woods, decided to remain silent against his former caddie.

Woods defends Williams following his questionable remark

Many expected Woods to jump over and take down Wiiliams’ reputation. However, the 15-time Major winner instead defended his long-time caddie. “Stevie is certainly not a racist”, said the Hall of Famer.

Furthermore, in his autobiography Out of the Rough released three years after the infamous incident, Steve Williams shared his admiration for Woods during the whole phase. In the 19th chapter of his book, Williams wrote, “When he(Tiger) had a chance to dig the knife into me in public, didn’t, which I respect him for”.

Though what Steve Williams did may have not been right, Tiger Woods chose the path of maturity and remained silent for old times’ sake. Nonetheless, both men have made mistakes in the past and yet overcome them. Perhaps it may be a common norm for the people at the top of the golfing world.

Watch This Story: Golf World Reacts to Strange Tiger Woods Achievement