Photo: Steve Williams at the Airport, Without Tiger Woods
by Ryan Ballengee on Jun 21, 2010 12:30 PM EDT
in HALL OF FAME
Email
PrintWe left Pebble Beach this evening right before Tiger Woods holed his final putt in the 2010 US Open. Then we had to make our way back to the Inn at Spanish Bay, catch a taxi, and get to Monterey County Airport. There, we checked in and have been hanging out. About a half hour after us settling in for our flight, Steve Williams came into the terminal to be on our flight back to LAX.
At the time when I did the initial part of this post - the picture of Stevie - I had no clue what was unfolding with Tiger and his comments following his final round performance. Tiger really threw Williams under the bus for some decision-making done in the final round.
"I was telling Stevie we made three mental mistakes today," he told NBC's Mark Rolfing after the round, "and the only thing it cost us is a chance to win the U.S. Open."
As far as I see it, Woods made a huge mistake on three - his own. He made another poor play on four, with his swing. He went for a nasty pin on ten. And he putted poorly. Those are all on him, not Stevie.
Surely, Williams had heard at least some of the remarks by the time he arrived at the airport. But the interaction between the two has been noticeably ice cold since the return at the Masters. A key, telling moment on Sunday happened just after Woods hit his tee shot on four. Williams dropped the bag off to go to the bathroom. While he did that, Woods kicked the bag like he was wallowing in himself. He took of his full-sleeve sweater to change into a vest. When Williams returned, Woods handed the sweater to Williams. Steve was so distant as he took the sweater, but then marched forward practically without his man to the fairway.
The combination of that moment on four and these comments from Woods - who typically owns up to poor play - may signal the end of the relationship with the Kiwi caddy at season's end.
74 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Hey RB....first it's
a greasy burger joint rather than a moon lit table by the bay, and than what….You mean you didn’t spring for a private romantic jet to take the bride home….What a cheapo…j/k lol…..STUB
for shame, Stub
In N Out is not your typical “greasy burger joint.”
"(I)f you think you've got an inside track to absolute truth, you become doctrinaire, humorless and intellectually constipated." Saul Alinsky
Diane...how many times have you eaten there
and when was the last time….jist askin mind ya….STUB
I visit all my relatives in California at least once a year. I make a point of getting a burger at In N Out every trip. Last time was about a year ago. Why? Has something radically changed?
"(I)f you think you've got an inside track to absolute truth, you become doctrinaire, humorless and intellectually constipated." Saul Alinsky
I'm guessing STUB was just curious if your
visiting the joint improved business.
No Comment
"(I)f you think you've got an inside track to absolute truth, you become doctrinaire, humorless and intellectually constipated." Saul Alinsky
Hah!. LOLITA (Laughed Out Loud In Total Amusement)
In a word, or two, you just proved my point, Diane.
Ryan ?
Did you try to get an interview with Steve ? If so what was his answer ?
"pain is only weakness leaving the body"
WOW !
Stevied dumped Tiger to fly with you ? Hmmm…not buyin’ it…now if you meant the wife…that’s more plausible. :-D
They’re going to different places – oh the INTRIGUE !!! Nike, for example, is north
Here’s another one for you – New Zealand is west….Orlando is east. Is it so hard to imagine Williams going home for a week or two while Tiger prepares for the British ?
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
Them going diff places was no shocker. He was heading back to Auckland, for sure. Honestly, though, he didn’t seem too broken up about the loss.
Find me! Email: ryan@thegolfnewsnet.com, Twitter: http://twitter.com/waggleroom, or Facebook: http://facebook.com/waggleroom.
by Ryan Ballengee on Jun 21, 2010 10:04 AM EDT reply actions
If this was the first tournament he and Tiger had come up short on, I might see your point – but the guy is a professional who has seen worse losses. Were you expecting him to be curled up in a ball in the corner, rocking back and forth, crying his eyes out ?
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
I’m not entirely sure what I was expecting, but I thought maybe looking a little more downtrodden perhaps?
Find me! Email: ryan@thegolfnewsnet.com, Twitter: http://twitter.com/waggleroom, or Facebook: http://facebook.com/waggleroom.
by Ryan Ballengee on Jun 21, 2010 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions
When I have a rough day at work...
…I’m usually fairly happy when it’s over. That, and I usually don’t take it home with me.
by Double Eagle on Jun 21, 2010 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Interesting – just kind of relieved to be done with it?
Find me! Email: ryan@thegolfnewsnet.com, Twitter: http://twitter.com/waggleroom, or Facebook: http://facebook.com/waggleroom.
by Ryan Ballengee on Jun 21, 2010 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Huh. And here I thought you, Court, disturbed the
peace wherever you go.
Pretty much
Unless there’s some kind of ongoing stress in the situation.
If their working relationship really is coming to an end, and despite the fact that we’re talking about the U.S. Open, it’s still just a job and I’m guessing none of this precipitated at the U.S. Open anyway. And if we’re assuming 10% cut, he’s flying home with 30 grand in his pocket so that’s something to be happy about.
by Double Eagle on Jun 21, 2010 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions
how 20th century !
It’s all electronic transfer these days :-D
Tiger kind of threw Stevie under the bus yesterday over club selection. Really out of character for Woods, who usually accepts his own failure. He blamed the greens, too. Just shows that he has a lot of work left on his comeback. I hope Steve is around – they’ve been a great team for a long time.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
Yeah, I’m only really trying to address why he doesn’t seem to be too broken up about the U.S. Open.
And of course it’s all electronic. I’m assuming he’s got a card in his pocket that gives him access to that pile of money. ;)
by Double Eagle on Jun 21, 2010 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions
And why is this a surprise to
any of you….EL TIGAR is on a private jet going to Florida, and Steve going home via commercial air line…Wow, now that’s news…..STUB
Wrong, Wrong, Wrong.....
If you will notice Stevie boy is looking at his phone……I would speculate he’s on the horn trying to get 4 or 5 blonds hooked-up to meet tiger when he arrives in Florida. Oh, wait, that’s right, Stevie didn’t know anything about all that stuff…..
The Saints ARE the SUPER BOWL CHAMPS....WHO DAT!
From this single photo and comments, we've got
the first draft for “Airport 3.”
Can anyone do a Lloyd Bridges impression?
I nominate Court....I
bet he could impersonate anyone he wanted to…jist sayin….STUB
you mean Airplane ? I think there were already 3 in the Airplane series (they ended up in outer space) – and definitely more than three in the Airport series.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
Whoops, you're right, Court. I meant Airplane.
Though I suppose any Airport in a storm.
I'm guessing even Court's shoes are corrective.
But he’s sure handy to have around.
Headline: Pic of Caddie Sitting in Airport Lounge
Poised to Break Comment Record on Waggle Room
Whoda thunk it.
Under the bus !
Yea,…that sounds about right coming from Tiger. Williams is the fall guy for Woods abysmal play. Lord knows these two deserve each other, but the writing seems to be on the wall. SW can collect unempolyment with Haney, lol
you're still away,...choke on it !
I'm still waiting
Ryan ??? Did you get an interview with Steve Williams or attept to and what was the outcome ?
"pain is only weakness leaving the body"
it’s bad form (and worse juju) to bother these guys for interviews away from the golf course unless you know them or they approach you.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
Jujubes – not juju fruit gum ! geez – a little historical authenticity here !!
http://www.oldtimecandy.com/jujubes.htm
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
Not really court
Honestly, most of them don’t mind a little polite conversation especially if they are alone. They would much prefer that, than being chased down at the driving rang while they are trying to work and pay attention to the business at hand. I ‘ve had some of my best conversations with caddy’s and players after a by chance meeting at the airport. If they are with wife and kids in tow then it’s a bad idea. Two years ago during a flight weather delay at Boston/Logan I met Steve Elkington and we ended up sitting in one of the airport bars for 2 hours and many cocktails later having a hoot for ourselves. Good Times !!!
"pain is only weakness leaving the body"
polite conversation is not the same thing as an interview. you’re right – most guys don’t mind a little “saw you out there” or “good job” – but not ineterviews
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
Yes court
I know that. I’m not talking about sticking a microphone in someones face at the airport. I’m talking about a brief and friendly Q&A that could have made for some interesting reading in here.
"pain is only weakness leaving the body"
that’s an interview – would not have been welcome
you don’t have to have a microphone in the face to carry on an interview
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
It never hurts to ask...
How do you know it would not have been welcome ?? You have a Mystical All Knowing Crystal Ball ? hmmmmmmmmmm ? I wouldn’t come right out and say to Stevie, Hey dude you mind if I give you an interview ? I would probably have sat in one of the empty seats next to or accross form him and played stupid and said, "hey your tigers caddy Steve Williams aren’t you ? WOW nice to meet you and a little more brown nosing and then perhaps a few questions. O’h wait I forgot Stevie Williams is a Dick and probably would have told anyone to ef off. LOLOL
"pain is only weakness leaving the body"
I’ve seen enough of these guys in airports – they are tired – and if they are in a public airport, more than likely they aren’t a part of the winning team. One of my best friends DOES interview these guys and he has been shut down at airports because he’s someone who does interviews for a living, not someone they hang out with away from the course.
I’m just saying that it’s bad form for someone in the media to try and get an interview in a situation like that – and it’s extremely low class to try to trick someone into an interview.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
Trick Someone ? HAHAHAHAHA
Certainly you jest. Nothing wrong with holding a normal conversation with someone at the airport and asking a few questions. The friendly types usuallywelcome it and the trite DoDo birds like stevie probably would not. Personaly I would have done it. What would anyone have to lose, except their camera.
"pain is only weakness leaving the body"
think what you like – I’m just telling you that it’s considered bad form for someone in the media to go up to a player (or in this case a big name caddy), introduce yourself as a member of the media and ask for an interview. It’s even worse form if you are a member of the media and don’t introduce yourself as such and try to have what should be a private conversation, then go blabbing it on the internet when that was the plan all along.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
well at some point to be fair
I would say that I ran a blog about golf and ask if they would mind if I mentioned a few things for a story for the benefit of my readers. If a person has nothing to hide than I doubt it would be a problem, especialy if the writer tells the story properly with an introduction such as, "I was at the airport and ran into Stevie Williams and he was nice enough to spend a few minutes with me and here is what we talked about. Heck Court , I’ve thrown in a few tidbits from some of of my conversations with players in waggleroom and lived to tell about it. ;O)
"pain is only weakness leaving the body"
it's a two way street
That “if you have nothing to hide” tact is nothing less than dispicable. If you’re going to use a guilt line like that – why wouldn’t his “if you had any class, you wouldn’t bother me away from the golf course” line be just as legitimate ?
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
Buy surely, Court, if you saw Michelle Wie in an airport lounge,
after the initial awe, you’d be yapping your ass off.
nah – I’d head to the book store hoping to find a remedial grammar and useage book to give to her for her flight. :-D
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
Damn
My brother got her autograph this weekend and we were both excited like a couple of kids. Come on, man, don’t spoil my moment. :-D
by Double Eagle on Jun 21, 2010 6:01 PM EDT up reply actions
lol – congrats….just don’t tell me your brother’s name is Bob and she misspelled it. :-)
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
Heh...
Nah, we were standing there as she finished her round on Saturday so there was no time for personalization. That really would have dampened the moment.
by Double Eagle on Jun 21, 2010 6:10 PM EDT up reply actions
honestly – I rag on her because of her lousy English language skills – and that right now, she’s famous for being famous – but I do give her credit for understanding that she needs to rub elbows with the fans and sign the autographs
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
True
I was impressed with her attention to fans. I mean, she didn’t stand around chatting or anything, but she paid special attention to the kids which gives her big points in my mind and then she pretty much got to everyone else. It wasn’t a huge crowd, but I don’t think anyone walked away without an autograph that was asking (that I noticed anyway).
by Double Eagle on Jun 21, 2010 6:15 PM EDT up reply actions
A book on grammar and usage would be
even better. —Michelle
I never said it wasn't Court
In fact it was never mentioned in our conversation now was it ? Certainly if someone asks you not to bother them on or off the golf course or anywhere for that matter then you should respect their wishes. I guess I ’m a little more personable with people overall. I remember back several years ago when I ran into a certain player, (not saying who) at a tournament on a Tuesday and walked over to talk to him and he was a little on the negative side with me and actualy walked away. Two months later I ran into him again at a charity event and he remembered me and apologized for his rudeness months earlier. Sometimes kindness can make all the difference in the world in more ways than one.
"pain is only weakness leaving the body"
well – you made my point for me. away from the course – PLEASE, leave me alone – he didn’t mean to be negative, but he didn’t want to be bothered by strangers.
ON the golf course, he remembered you, apologized for being a little rude, and probably had a good conversation the rest of the day.
by the way – did you apologize for bothering the guy at the airport ?
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
guy at airport ? ey ?
Now you have me more confused than a nursing baby attending a topless bar.
"pain is only weakness leaving the body"
see how tricky he is ? We’re talking about guys away from the golf course and HE starts talking about a guy AT the golf course….no fair. (lol)
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
No Tom Foolery here
Because my name is Rich and not Tom. :o)
"pain is only weakness leaving the body"
Wait…your NAME is Rich ? I thought it was just an adjective :-)
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
I've been called lots of things.....
HAHAHAHA especially in the blogs. Up in New England many call me Sluggo. In Florida it’s jumpn.
"pain is only weakness leaving the body"
I didn’t go up to Steve after I saw a couple of folks try to make chatter with him and he didn’t seem into the mood.
Find me! Email: ryan@thegolfnewsnet.com, Twitter: http://twitter.com/waggleroom, or Facebook: http://facebook.com/waggleroom.
by Ryan Ballengee on Jun 21, 2010 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions
no worries Ryan
I was just curiuos. Honestly, Your lucky you still have your camera with him around. hahaha
"pain is only weakness leaving the body"
road warriors
I can tell there aren’t many road warriors out there. Regardless of whether it was a good or bad week, you just want to get on the damn airplane and go home. If the week was great you don’t dance to your iPod, if it was awful you don’t curl into the fetal position. Williams is sitting in a chair, at the gate, at MRY. If you infer anything other than that your brain is working overtime, it needs a rest.
"(I)f you think you've got an inside track to absolute truth, you become doctrinaire, humorless and intellectually constipated." Saul Alinsky
Hey Diane.....you said you visited ALL your California relatives
at least once a year….bet ya do the free loading in the winter, so ya kin get outa Dodge so to speak when the weather and snow are beatin ya down…..How many relatives ya got out there? I ask, cause that sometimes dictates how long ya kin postpone goin home….STUB
No, Stub, I usually go in either May or October. May because it’s about the only month the hills in the Bay Area are green. October is historically the best weather month in San Francisco. All my relatives live in California because I’m the only one who was smart enough to move east of the Sierra Nevada. 8-)
My daughter was planning to bring the grandchildren out this month, but life got in the way so now I’ll be heading there in October.
"(I)f you think you've got an inside track to absolute truth, you become doctrinaire, humorless and intellectually constipated." Saul Alinsky
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Have a golf story tip? Contact editor Charles Boyer and he will follow the story! Thanks!
Related FanPosts on Waggle Room
Related FanShots on Waggle Room
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
