There has always been some sort of rivalry between the athletes on the course, but golf has never been that kind of sport. It has always been regarded as the sport of the gentleman. However, as it turns out, sometimes things can get rough on the course. And despite Tiger Woods being one of the most respected and adored golfers in the sport, that’s exactly what he faced at the 2000 Presidents Cup.
The 82-time PGA Tour winner faced massive disrespect on the course at the prestigious international event. And this insult came at the hand of none other than one of his biggest rival caddies and was seen by Woods’ former caddie, Steve Williams, as an unimpressive act!
Steve Williams shed light on the incident of discourtesy towards Woods
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Williams caddied for Tiger Woods for more than 12 years and was by his side for 13 of his 15 major victories. He has seen the golfer go through it all while being on the bag for him from 1999 to 2011. In 2015, the New Zealander published his memoir, Out of the Rough, revealing the many unheard stories that took place inside the ropes during his years with famous golfers, especially Tiger Woods.
One such story about the disdain that Vijay Singh’s caddie had for the golfing legend during the 2000 Presidents Cup has been shared on page 83 of the book. During the tournament, the 2000 Masters winner’s caddie, Paul Tesori, entered the field wearing a cap that had the words, “Tiger Who?” written on it at the back. While Singh won at Augusta that year, Woods emerged victorious in the remaining three majors.
This action by Tesori led to a grudge between the two golfers. As a result, anytime the two went came head-to-head with each other, it was always more than just about golf. It usually got personal and heated. Later, Singh’s caddie apologized for the cap incident and said that it was a joke that backfired badly. The 15-time major winner was okay with the apology, but Williams wrote in his memoir, “Vijay Singh remains the least impressive character I’ve ever come across in golf.”
Although both Woods and Singh are accomplished golfers, that does not mean they ought to be friends. The two have simply been acquaintances and have engaged in a love-hate relationship with each other.
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Vijay Singh’s and Tiger Woods’ love-hate relationship
Woods’ former caddie once revealed on the podcast, Chasing Majors, that both golfers deeply respect each other and always want to beat each other’s brains for their games. Summing up the bond the two golfers shared, Williams said, “They both love each other, hate each other, sort of thing.”
Singh is one of the golfers who practices the most; hence, his rivalry was arguably the most threatening to Woods. Moreover, in the early 2000s, the Fijian had an incredible run, winning nine events in the 2004 season alone, giving Woods even more reason to worry and building further on their intense rivalry!
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What are your thoughts on this incident from Williams’ autobiography? Let us know in the comments below.
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