Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods are two of the most renowned golfers. Both stars had a massive rivalry because of their top level of competition. However, in recent years, both men have turned their rivalry into a brotherhood. Though Mickelson never had a direct public feud with Woods, he did share one with Woods’ long-time caddie.

Steve Williams caddied for Tiger Woods in his 13 Major wins. He once publicly criticized Phil Mickelson in 2008 when it was reported that Williams called Mickelson a “prick”. Both men had a public spat, which consisted of back and forth comments. However, Tiger Woods had no involvement in the feud.

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Williams comments on Mickelson

The incident took place back in 2008 when Steve Williams attended a charity event of 250 people in his home country, New Zealand. It was at this event that Williams made inappropriate comments about Lefty.

Williams 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.” He even admitted to calling Mickelson a “prick”.

Patently, Mickelson was unhappy with the comments and even accused Williams of making inappropriate and inaccurate comments. The then 38-year-old retaliated 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.”

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Phil Mickelson further claimed that a “joke” shared by Steve Williams is a “total fabrication”. The story states that Mickelson was heckled by a fan for his weight during the 2008 U.S. Open. But according to Mickelson, the incident took place back in 2002.

Mickelson’s response to Williams was classy. Both men have been involved with several controversies throughout their careers. It may have been evident for both men to clash their egos since the duo was somehow related to the Tiger Woods.

Steve Williams cools off his beef with Phil Mickelson

A week later after their public dispute, Steve Williams publicly admitted to feeling guilty for his comments. Williams said, “I shouldn’t have said it, but no harm was meant. I was just having some fun.”

Later, even Woods commented for the first time on the situation by saying, “I was disappointed to read the comments attributed to Steve Williams about Phil Mickelson, a player that I respect.” He further added that the whole matter was inappropriate.

Nearly seven years later, Steve Williams released a tell-all book that included various stories related to Tiger Woods’ controversies. Many people even anticipated stories revolving around Lefty, but much to everyone’s surprise, Williams shared he admires Mickelson as a player.

The New Zealander said, “My problem is that he (Mickelson) thinks he knows everything. He lords over people – he once tried to tell me the rules of cricket for crying out loud!”

Though it may be irritating for Steve Williams to learn about cricket from Phil Mickelson, the two do have respect for each other. With Mickelson now joining the LIV Golf while Williams has announced his retirement from golf, there are hardly any chances of both men having a dispute any time soon.

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