‘Tiger [Woods] Put Him in a Box’: Utter Disappointment Forced Greg Norman to Defend Former Caddie Amid Mistreatment Through Latter’s Autobiography

Shadows of the past linger in the golf world, where legendary rivalries and contentious clashes still simmer just below the surface. A shocking accusation from a golfing legend has resurfaced, casting a harsh light on Tiger Woods’s treatment of his former caddie, Steve Williams. And it was Greg Norman’s stunning claim that offered a unique perspective and shared his insight into their relationship and Williams’s experiences.

What does Greg Norman think of Tiger Woods and Steve Williams’s relationship?

In his book, Out of the Rough: Inside the Ropes with the World’s Greatest Golfers, the 60-year-old shared a revealing account of his time with Tiger Woods, including a candid assessment from Greg Norman. Australian golf veteran, and LIV Golf’s CEO, Greg Norman worked with Williams from 1982 to 1989, is quoted on page 42 of the book as saying, “I knew what Steve was like, but Tiger put him in a box.”

It speaks to a deeper issue of mistreatment and control in their relationship, as the 15x major champ fired the most trusted looper in 2011 after the US Open, and as disclosed, it happened because Williams went on to caddy for Adam Scott after Woods asked him not to, despite agreeing to it before.

As Norman recalled his side of the story with Steve Williams, he fondly remembered their instant chemistry and shared values. “Steve was definitely hard-nosed—that’s what I loved about him. There was no gray about Steve; black was black and white was white. He was determined and protective, but he was also a gentle giant.” Consequently, their working relationship flourished as Williams grew as a skilled caddie with the Great White Shark. 

The LIV Golf Chairman noted his connection as “we became like brothers—I’d never had a younger brother, and he was like a kid brother to me. My kids nicknamed him the Polar Bear because he would go swimming in the ocean in the middle of winter. They just loved him and grew up with him around.” This nostalgic recollection underscores the depth of their bond, making Norman’s criticism of Woods’ treatment of Williams all the more poignant.

Although Greg Norman and Williams parted ways in 1989 after the golfer fired him. The reason that happened is because the two grew close personally, and became very good friends. Later, after several years, Norman realized that he had made a mistake by letting Williams go, and tried to rehire him many times.

The Australian native’s heartfelt reminiscence highlights the strong bond he shared with the world’s most renowned caddie. But Williams himself has openly expressed this several times during their heart-wrenching split.

Steve Williams is disappointed by the way he was fired

For the man who stood by Tiger Woods’s side for twelve years, their split in 2011 left a bitter taste. It was a time of turmoil for Woods, too, with allegations of infidelity and a faltering career hanging over him like a dark cloud. Yet, instead of loyalty and support, Williams received a phone call that changed everything—his termination as Woods’ caddie. The abruptness and impersonal nature of the dismissal still grates with Williams, a stark contrast to the camaraderie and trust they once shared.

As Williams reflected, “The way Tiger fired me in 2011 was disappointing. He told me about it over the phone. Not hearing it from him face-to-face really bothered me. The suddenness of it, the way it was done, him coming out of the hardest time in his life, and me having been loyal to him for so many years, were worth some consideration. Caddies get fired all the time—hey, Greg fired me in 1989—but when you have what you believe is a friendship, it’s going to leave a mark.” However, with a decade having passed since their split, it seems that the wounds have healed. 

Even Tiger Woods acknowledged his presence, saying it was “awesome to have Stevie for all those years.” Share your thoughts on Greg Norman’s relationship with Steve Williams.