The Unexpected Pursuit: How Tiger Woods Recruited Steve Williams
The dynamic between a professional golfer and their caddie is often understated, yet profoundly impactful. A compelling story recently resurfaced, detailing the unconventional manner in which Tiger Woods attempted to secure the services of one of golf’s most celebrated bagmen, steve Williams.The tale, recounted by Williams himself in both his co-authored book, “We Roared Together,” and on the “Subpar” podcast, reveals a surprisingly persistent and, initially, abrasive approach from the golfing superstar.
A Caddie Change and a Phone Call
The events unfolded at the 1999 Doral Open. Williams was already working with veteran golfer Raymond Floyd when news broke that Tiger Woods had separated from his then-caddie, Mike “fluff” Cowan. While Williams didn’t promptly dwell on the possibility of working with Woods, fate – and a remarkably convincing impersonator – intervened.
according to Williams, the first indication of Woods’ interest came as a late-night phone call, elaborate by jet lag after a long flight from New Zealand. “I didn’t really give it much thought,” Williams explained. “But Tuesday night in my hotel room… we had the phone ring.” The caller, though, wasn’t Woods directly. It was a friend known for his uncanny ability to mimic the golf icon – from his swing to his vocal patterns.
Mistaken Identity and a Blunt Rejection
Initially believing the call was from his friend, Williams engaged in what he thought was a playful conversation. However, the caller’s persistence and direct questioning about his availability quickly revealed the truth. It was Tiger Woods, attempting a somewhat unorthodox recruitment tactic. The conversation, as Williams recalls, took a sharp turn when Woods directly inquired about caddying for him. Williams,caught off guard and still under the impression it might be a prank,responded with a curt “F off” and promptly hung up.
This wasn’t a one-time occurrence. The sequence repeated itself – Woods calling, Williams assuming it was his friend, and the conversation ending with the same blunt rejection. It wasn’t until a third call that Woods finally made his intentions unequivocally clear. The sheer tenacity displayed by Woods highlights the value he placed on securing Williams’ expertise. in a sport where even minor advantages can be decisive, the right caddie can be a game-changer.
A Partnership Forged in Persistence
Ultimately, Woods’ persistence paid off. Williams accepted the offer, embarking on a highly successful and often tumultuous partnership that yielded numerous victories, including 13 major championships. The story serves as a captivating glimpse into the personalities of two golfing giants and the lengths to which they were willing to go to achieve success. It also underscores the frequently enough-overlooked importance of the caddie-player relationship in the world of professional golf. As of 2024, the average earnings for a PGA Tour caddie range from $150,000 to $200,000 annually, with top caddies earning considerably more, demonstrating the financial rewards and prestige associated with supporting a successful golfer.