What was initially thought of as just another silly season has transformed remarkably in ten years. With Tiger Woods usually pulling the chute on his season after the Tour Championship, his Chevron World Challenge was become a yearly pulpit for world’s best golfer to address the topics that have surfaced in his brief public absence. His annual press conference draws major attention, and like each year prior, there were a list of questions begging for answers from the big man on campus yesterday in Thousand Oaks, California.

Not surprisingly it just took a few questions for the topic to turn from the tournament (which will host many of the world’s best players, not including Tiger who is still on the bench following summer knee surgery) to the recent and well publicized remarks made by his caddy Steve Williams regarding Phil Mickelson. Tiger’s view? “Yeah, what ended up happening is I communicated with Phil, and we have discussed it. I talked to Stevie about it, and he feels bad, what happened. At this point it happened at all, and it's something that none of us really wanted to have happen, but it's over and done with and we put it to bed.”

And with that the subject that has captivated golf Internet forums and media members for days looks to be fairly dead one.

Beyond the fact that he still does not know when he will return to the tour, there was not a lot of great insight from Tiger yesterday, mostly a lot of discussion about his rehabilitation and how he has been spending his time. Family and course design is the answer to that, along with the opportunity for him to vote for Padraig Harrington as the Player of the Year.

Majors are still what golf is all about to Tiger and that rang true even with the PGA Tour award voting. As he said when asked why he voted for Paddy: “He won two,” referring to Harrington’s Open Championship and PGA Championship victories. His answer to the follow up of “Is that all it comes down to?” was even more compact. “Yeah,” he said pointedly.

After the burning subject of caddy talk was addressed likely the only other question that might have gotten the attention of golf geeks around the world was a one shot exchange that ended today’s proceedings. It is a subject that will likely come up more in 2009 than the state of the Phil/Stevie relationship…we hope.

Asked whether the USGA ruling on less aggressive grooves that will be implemented 2010 will affect the state of his golf bag, Tiger showed he has given the subject some thought. “Yeah, it'll affect what's in my bag. I can't have my two sand wedges the way I have them now. But as far as -- I play the spinniest ball on TOUR, so for me, my transition will be a little bit easier than the rest of the guys, guys who play a harder golf ball. They're going to have to maybe a little bit more of an adjustment, whether they do it with loft. Some guys are experimenting with 64-degree wedges to try to help them out that way so they can hit fuller shots with more spin, or guys just might be making -- actually more mental adjustments in their course management skills, going for greens, because you know you actually can't get the ball to spin like you used to so it puts more of a premium on putting the ball in the fairway. With the wedges you can't blast it out there on the par-5s and expect an easy up-and-down. You've got to miss it on the proper side more than ever. But it'll be very interesting to see what happens, how guys make that adjustment.”

Of course that begs the question, “If the USGA looks to restrict the use of high lofted wedges as well, then can we guess what Tiger might be talking about at next year’s Chevron World Golf Challenge press convenience?”

Well, Phil of course! (Eyes rolling)

Ok…maybe wedges.

But I wouldn’t count on it.

www.flagstickeditorsdesk.blogspot.com

I've never been compelled to join a fan club or provide feedback as a fan of any sport or player. However this incident has compelled me to take personal action, however trivial it may be to the big Tiger Woods machine. I've been a long-time fan of both Tiger and Phil. They are both remarkably talented players and have been great for the game of golf. However, the comments made by Steve Williams are beyond classless. He revealed himself as immature, hateful, and worst of all, a liar. Tiger Woods' only responsible choice of action is to fire him. I have written letters to the TW website, Steve Williams' website (http://www.kiwicaddie.com/index.asp), the Chevron World Challenge website, and several of TW-endorsed companies (Nike, EA Sports, Golf Magazine). I will no longer purchase any Tiger Woods-endorsed products as long as Steve Williams remains his caddy.

Dave Player

"“Yeah, what ended up happening is I communicated with Phil, and we have discussed it. I talked to Stevie about it, and he feels bad, what happened."

Does anybody truly believe that Stevie "feels bad" about what happened? Only if he were to get fired like he should be would he feel bad in my opinion.

i find that to be a little over the top, he can't completely control another human being, but to ban all things "tiger related" is a little extreme, tiger still da man

And now you are compelled to post this three times now? You can stop. Take it up with the TW machine all you want, but posting this at GolfWRX once is more than enough.

Lighten up Francis

Not sure about New Zealand, but in the US, there is freedom of speech.

I absolutely don't agree with William's comments. But he has a right to say whatever he wants as he is entitled to his opinion. Phil is certainly within his rights to sue for defamation, I believe. Of course, that will never happen because I believe all parties have put this behind them, at least for now. I think they all want to get back to just golf.

The fact that the press, that is always looking for this major story, asked only two questions during the press conference speaks volumes to me... there's no story here.

Our opinions matter not. So, Dave Player, I'm not sure if you're being a martyr or just taking the high ground, but I think the only one you are affecting will be yourself. Whatever.

Did you join this forum just to post these remarks in multiple threads? I see you've only been a member here for less than a week, and this isn't really a good way to start things off. I don't necessarily agree w/ the way Steve or Tiger have handled the situation either, but give it a rest buddy.

BDLz

Steve's statements show exactly what a classless jerk he really is. If he had any decency or integrity he would have made a public apology. And Tiger should have demanded it from his employee. Woods does not exactly put himself in a good light either.

Ultimately, Stevie's comments have probably hurt himself and his boss more than it has hurt Phil. If Tiger had said nothing, the cringe factor would have lingered even longer. I think Tiger felt compelled to clear the air not only on his part, but also for his caddy's woeful gaffe.
It's done now. Nobody's got a time machine - it's history. Anything that either of the Woods/Williams combo say regarding the matter will only make them look smaller. Apart from an apology from Williams maybe?

yea tiger wants to sweep this one under the rug but this one will not go away! phil is loved more than he is hated.....especially in the states. i imagine mr. williams is going to be in for some major "heckling" at bethpage and other places! i knew there was no way tiger would fire his babysitter...i mean caddy! this dude is way over the line and i believe he opened a major can of worms!!

Freedom of speech does not guarantee you the right to say anything you wish without repercussion or consequence. Our freedoms come with a responsibility which too few feel a need to exercise.

Stevie may have the right to speak his mind; Tiger has the right to fire him for it, the rest of us have the right to act in response as we see fit.

I might normally agree with this sentiment, but there is a bit of a different dynamic here. These guys want to be able to interview Woods in the future. They aren't going to piss him off, they are going to let things drop. Look at what has gotten media people in trouble with him in the past. Asking about this one too many times will surely get someone on the not-invited listed quickly. It has reached a point where the masses want Woods or no one, it seems. No one is going to risk their meal ticket.

I'm not saying it's right, just that's how it is.

I didn't think about that - very good point.

I still can't believe people care so much.

To Dave Player....

Why even bother yourself so much with something that really doesn't effect you what-so-ever?

williams does have the right to say what he thinks and everyone can make comments about him as well.  I think he was stupid for saying it to a reporter first of all.  Like he didnt know it would be printed or repeated! lol  riiiiggghhhtttt.....

Tiger should be pissed, but whether or not he fires him is a diff story.  They are buddies so it's diff than an employee.  UNLESS williams pops off and costs Tiger some endorsement $$$$!  If Bones was poppin off, would Phil fire him?  Probably not.  No, I didnt hear about Bones saying anything similar about Tiger, was just posing the question.

I realy dont think ppl should spend too much time worrying about williams and what he thinks about anyone.......

Exactly...I can't believe people don't have more going in their lives that something so trivial would get them so bent out shape. That's a lot of effort for such a insignificant thing. Rather sad actually...

Dear. Everyone. Especially dave player.
Freedom of speech aside ..... I'm pretty sure Steve Williams can say whatever he wants just because of his hugeness.... Having seen both in person... Steve would stomp phil down if he wanted to. Saying what he said was actually just a nicer way of putting phil in his spot.
Stevies the man
Tigers the man.
They can both do what they want. Grown men.
And I guarantee stevie can back his words up.

agreed. i used to be a phil fan until he kicked me off the course cause he needed to practice.. guy flew his helicopter in and needed every single player off the course. i received no reimbursement.. not his fault though. however, i always was and always will be a bigger tiger fan.. great guy genuinely nice and a normal guy who is just ridiculous at golf. phil wouldnt even sign me an autograph when i saw him.. after a round he gives seven minutes to sign autographs.. the second it hits seven min he stops and leaves. not much of a problem, but he doesnt sign for anyone but young kids during this time really. i guess its not really a problem cause he wasnts to grow the sport, but he can come off as a not so nice guy, while i do not get the same vibe from tiger. tiger is a great guy and loves to do clnics and stuff. im sure he gets some nice money but he really doesnt need that, phil does not really seem to do this stuff, but i wish he would. he is still a great talen especially around the greens and i love watching him play and like to see what goes through his mind on each shot the wya tiger explains things. but what to i know? sorry if i offend anyone by saying any of this. just my opinion on the thing

Honestly, the TOUR probably loves the fact that Stevie made those comments. The Tiger v. Phil dynamic has gotten old and who knows if Camilo and AK will ever rise to true rivalry proportions. This way, when Tiger comes back there is added fuel to the rivalry. With the market being what it is and TV veiwership down, any added story lines provide a more compelling entertainment experience, and at the end of the day that is what professional sports are to everyone outside of the athletes and employees.

Were Stevie's remarks in poor taste? yes. Will it make a more interesting story if the end up paired up together at the US Open as the top ranked players? you better believe it.

Sorry, but this is SO FAR off base it's funny. I'll take them one at a time:

- Just because the course told you, it doesn't mean it was Mickelson's doing that you had to leave the course. I'm sure Tiger has cleared many of courses in his travels!

- Tiger can "turn on and off" the nice guy persona just like Phil!

- Mickelson does clinics, corporate outings, etc. just like Tiger. Just because the Tiger, I mean Golf Channel, only chooses to show the TW Nike & Buick clinics 5 times a week does not mean that Phil and many other players aren't doing the same thing!

- The seven minute thing is BS! I have personally seen Mickelson sign autographs going on 30 minutes on more than one occassion. Exactly how many autographs have you seen Tiger sign anywhere outside of a paid engagement - I'm guessing none!

For the record, this doesn't offend me, but it certainly makes me laugh. They are both great players that have different approaches to the game, different philosophies, and very different personalities. If you really want to be fair to both players, don't criticize Mickelson for the same things Tiger is praised for. It really gets old, especially when most of the things said about Mickelson are mostly 3rd & 4th hand re-telling of a story that happened to someone's step uncles' third cousins' sister's boyfriend, who was probably BS'ing to begin with!

ok ill take back the clinics thing then, but HE told me first hand seven mintutes. i asked him on the range if he would be signing autographs after. he said, " yes i always sign autographs for seven minutes after the round" and he told me where he would be.. not really an issue i guess cause he has to put an end to his autopgraph signings at one point. and he first hand did want everyone off the course (beth page) it was him bones and one other guy i dont know. some kind of coach, not a swing coach. but he told the people there to please have everyone taken off. when i asked the guy why they blew the horn they said, "phil mickelson came here and he apologizes, but does not want any distractions while he is practing so he asked us to take everyone off the course." tiger probly does do the same things, but i have not first hand witnessed this so i dont want to say that definitively. ive seen tiger once in person. and he signed autogrpahs while on the range for a about five minutes, walking to the chipping green and putting green then after. phil ONLY signs after his round. he told me this first hand. i dont really care about them signing autographs, but these are just examples of ways phils comes off as a *****. (word steve called him) whether he is or not i dont know, but its just the impression i have got the few times i have seen him. i still love watching him and do root for him to win.

A lot of pros do that. They'll buy a bunch of tee times before and after their desired time so that they can have the course to themselves. Kind of hard to have a round with some of their friends otherwise.

The course should have compensated you- that's not the pro's fault. They shouldn't double-dip the tee time.

THANK YOU! I 100% AGREE !

TW

WOW political correctness gone mad. How dare someone dare to say what they actually think. It was not a wise thing to say granted, but all the hate and puffed up indignation, please!

It will make for some pretty odd decision making when selecting clubs in the future, I wont play anything Fuzzy ever played because he made some rash comments once, cant use anything Rory plays because he was rude to Ben Crane, Poulter was a naughty boy he suggested he could beat Tiger and was disparaging to all the other players on tour because he thought he was better than them (they probably will all need counseling, to recover from their newly developed inferiority complexes).

Thats tongue in cheek sarcasm if you didnt get it!!

I applaud freedom of speech. However with all the important subjects out there where "boycotting" might do some good making your time worthwhile, boycotting to get someone fired is just plain wrong and wasteful of your freedom.

Stevie knows him better than I do, so who am I to judge?

Sad state of the game when our interest is piqued at such an unfortunate situation.

Stevie's a moron w/ a good back.