Tiger Woods once famously stated, “No matter how good you get, you can always get better — and that’s the exciting part.” This sums up his unrelenting drive for achievement. He is renowned for his commitment to the game, having won 15 major titles and holding the top spot in the Official World Golf Rankings for a record 683 weeks.

Woods’ noted discipline is also widely acknowledged; he practiced for hours on end, despite his ailments, and honed his swing in harsh environments. His love for golf is unmatched. His veteran caddy, Steve Williams, was among those who saw the blazing fire up close. Having carried Woods’ bag for 13 of his 15 major championships, the New Zealander recently shared what it was like to work with a man who was so focused on his quest for greatness. And believe us, there were more than just champagne and backstage parties. Let’s delve into this topic to gain a deeper understanding.

Inside the relentless world of Tiger Woods and Steve Williams

A side of Woods that most fans have never seen—the one who seldom gave himself or his team a chance to breathe, much less celebrate—was exposed by Steve Williams in an open interview on the Between Two Beers podcast. Williams’ response to the question of whether there were silent moments of pride in one another following significant triumphs was direct: “Yeah, not as much as you’d probably think.” Williams claimed that Tiger was “hellbent” about surpassing Jack Nicklaus‘ record of 18 major titles. They went so far as to talk about aiming higher: “He said 19 and then he said, well, let’s make it 20. I said my favorite number is 21, let’s make it 21.” Their mutual passion consumed every choice they made and every second of their lives, leaving no time to celebrate their successes.

Williams related an exciting account about how Woods won the 2000 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach by an incredible 15 shots. Rather than savoring this momentous achievement, Woods changed course right after. Williams recalled that Tiger yelled, “Get your a– over to St Andrews. I want you to know that golf course like the back of your hand, and I’m going to play better than I did this week.” Williams had to begin preparations and scrap his plans for celebration instantly. Williams said that even after Tiger’s biggest wins, the pressure never subsided, saying, “Now I’m under the pump.”

When there was a celebration, it was, at best, modest. “Yeah, there were some good moments, like when you win The Claret Jug, you have a couple of drinks out of it. But there’s no…some guys, when they win, they party for two days. When John Daly wins, he goes for a month!” Williams made a joke. However, Tiger’s philosophy was straightforward: victory was only a stop along the path to immortality, not the end. But as time went on, even the powerful Tiger Woods was unable to avoid the effects of aging, injuries, and a demanding job.

Struggling Tiger Woods hits career low with unwanted milestone

One of the most difficult times in Tiger Woods’ career occurred in 2024. He finished 16 over in the Masters Tournament, which was his lowest score to par in a major. The lackluster showing overshadowed the fact that this was his 100th round at Augusta National. He finished the competition at the bottom of the leaderboard, despite making the cut.

Persistent physical problems added to Woods’s difficulties. He was sidelined indefinitely after undergoing surgery in March 2025 to repair a damaged Achilles tendon. This came after a slew of operations and injuries that have dogged him since his vehicle accident in 2021. Woods is adamant about playing competitively again, despite these difficulties, saying, “The fire still burns,” with a 2025 comeback as his goal. ​

Woods’ commitment to the game remains unbreakable, despite his recent performances falling short of his previous dominance. His experience is a testament to perseverance and the relentless pursuit of greatness despite adversity.