There are few certainties in life, but one of them is that we'll get a letter almost every week complaining that caddies, and often caddy Steve Williams, are removing their caddy bibs prior to their players holing out on the 18th green. It bugs you viewers (readers) and you tell us about it. The latest letters to Golf World on the subject:
Dear Editor,Are there rules governing when a caddy can remove his/her bib at the end of a round?
A group of friends and I notice that Tiger Woods caddy consistently removes his bib on the 18th hole before the players finish. While the other caddies tend the whole with their bibs on, Woods caddy does not. Or is it because this particular caddy has a sponsorship agreement that pays him to display their logo on his shirt?
Does the PGA Tour or USGA have rules that would enforce uniformity in this regard? Or is it up to each tournament/event? I'm sure after a long round every caddy ache to remove the bids. Not sure why one caddy would be allowed to do it. If for no other reason than maintaining comraderie and the class of the game.
D. Rodriguez
Rochester, MI
USGA Member
<blockquote>Dear Editor,
Why does Steve Williams feel compelled to remove his caddie vest when he gets to the 18th green? Why can't he wait to remove it until he leaves the green like all of the other caddies do? Does he think he's better than all of the other caddies? Is it because Valvoline pays him big bucks to show off his mock neck logoed shirt?
Its funny how there are rules on the tour and then there are the rules for Tiger and his clan.
Andrew Cohoon
Metairie, LA
Gentlemen, as much as this bothers you, it seems less a hot topic with the Tour. We've learned from Andy Pazder of the Tour that there isn't a hard-and-fast, written rule about the exact length of time caddies are expected to wear bibs. The Tour says that they are expected to wear them during the competition. I think you can assume that the Tour (or the USGA for that matter) is not interested in picking a fight with Steve Williams or any other caddy about the early removal of bibs. Players begin to pack up at the 18th green, handing balls and glove over to the caddy, and the caddies seem to be doing the same with their "equipment."
<p>Gentlemen, as much as this bothers you, it seems less a hot topic with the Tour. We've learned from Andy Pazder of the Tour that there isn't a hard-and-fast, written rule about the exact length of time caddies are expected to wear bibs. The Tour says that they are expected to wear them during the competition. I think you can assume that the Tour (or the USGA for that matter) is not interested in picking a fight with Steve Williams or any other caddy about the early removal of bibs. Players begin to pack up at the 18th green, handing balls and glove over to the caddy, and the caddies seem to be doing the same with their "equipment." </p>
It sounds like the Tour has specified that Stevie should wear it during the competition, according to the bolded print. Approaching the 18th green, Tiger has not finished. Therefore, he would be in violation of that rule. Pretty simple, no?
And you wonder why it bugs people that he gets away with it. When you print what the tour expectations are in black and white and Steve Williams flagrantly violates it with no penalty, it SHOULD bug people.
Simple solution since in the hole guy is there. As they approach the 18th chant "Leave the Bib ON" "Leave the Bib ON" "Leave the Bib ON" "Leave the Bib ON" "Leave the Bib ON" "Leave the Bib ON"
Simple solution since in the hole guy is there. As they approach the 18th chant "Leave the Bib ON" "Leave the Bib ON" "Leave the Bib ON" "Leave the Bib ON" "Leave the Bib ON" "Leave the Bib ON"
JuNiOR
THat would be CLASSIC! I think Steve is a clown for taking off his bib so soon, it displays a clear lack of class for his position.
Steve Williams is a classless jerk who thinks he is better than everyone else because he loops for the #1 golfer. He shows a total lack of respect for the tournament and the other caddies/players by taking his bib off before the last player in the group holes out.
Part of the responsibility falls on the player. If Tiger isn't saying anything to Steve about keeping it on, then part of the heat should fall on Tiger's shoulders. Remember, Steve works for Tiger...Tiger is the boss and calls the shots.
i could care less if he took is bib off early or not. heck, he should not even wear one for the US open. whats the big deal. it doesnt affect the tournament or golf, so why make a deal about it
I really don't get why this is such a big deal - is everyone really that upset that a caddy, somone who has no effect on the people outside the tournament ropes, is taking his bib off walking up to the 18th green? Maybe I'm just not seeing something, but I just don't get how he is disrespecting the tournament and the game by doing this.
I really don't get why this is such a big deal - is everyone really that upset that a caddy, somone who has no effect on the people outside the tournament ropes, is taking his bib off walking up to the 18th green? Maybe I'm just not seeing something, but I just don't get how he is disrespecting the tournament and the game by doing this.
I really don't get why this is such a big deal - is everyone really that upset that a caddy, somone who has no effect on the people outside the tournament ropes, is taking his bib off walking up to the 18th green? Maybe I'm just not seeing something, but I just don't get how he is disrespecting the tournament and the game by doing this.
It's a big deal because it shows that Williams has scant regard for a rule which his contemporaries have no issues whatsoever in complying with. It's a simple rule, not in any way despotic or unreasonable, and yet he consistently flouts it and nothing is done about it. That rankles people - including other caddies, reportedly - and yet, in the full knowledge that the rule is there and that by not obeying it he's ruffling feathers, he continues to flout it.
If he made a cogent argument to Finchem why he (and presumably other caddies) may have a good reason not to comply with the rule, then fine; but he doesn't. He just arrogantly rips off his uniform bib when he feels the need and parades around the 18th hole without it. It's arrogant, it's disrespectful to the sponsors and other caddies, and it shows a scant regard for the rules. The fact he did the same thing at Augusta with the uniform cap seems to confirm that he simply enjoys flouting rules and testing the patience of committees. I'm amazed, given the negative publicity surrounding the issue, that his employer (because he is, after all, not the star of the show; his boss is) hasn't had a word - given that he's usually so careful to micromanage every aspect of the Tiger Woods brand image.
What with the Mickelson incident and this recurring act, it's left me, and I suspect a lot of others, with an impression that Williams is a bit of an arrogant dandy with an over-inflted opinion of his own importance in the game. I can see no reason why a warning shouldn't be given - followed by punitive measures in the event of further non-compliance with a rule that everyone else in his position sees fit to abide by and have no problems in observing.
It's a big deal because it shows that Williams has scant regard for a rule which his contemporaries have no issues whatsoever in complying with. It's a simple rule, not in any way despotic or unreasonable, and yet he consistently flouts it and nothing is done about it. That rankles people - including other caddies, reportedly - and yet, in the full knowledge that the rule is there and that by not obeying it he's ruffling feathers, he continues to flout it.
If he made a cogent argument to Finchem why he (and presumably other caddies) have a good reason not to comply with the rule, then fine; but he doesn't. He just arrogantly rips off his uniform bib when he feels the need and parades around the 18th hole without it. It's arrogant, it's disrespectful to the sponsors and other caddies, and it shows a scant regard for the rules. The fact he did the same thing at Augusta with the uniform cap seems to confirm that he simply enjoys flouting rules and testing the patience of committees. I'm amazed, given the negative publicity surrounding the issue, that his employer (because he is, after all, not the star of the show; his boss is) hasn't had a word - given that he's usually so careful to micromanage every aspect of the Tiger Woods brand image.
What with the Mickelson incident and this recurring act, it's left me, and I suspect a lot of others, with an impression that Williams is a bit of an arrogant dandy with an over-inflted opinion of his own importance in the game. I can see no reason why a warning shouldn't be given - followed by punitive measures in the event of further non-compliance with a rule that everyone else in his position sees fit to abide by and have no problems in observing.
+1. Great post.
Bottom line is that the Tour has rules and regulations in place for a reason, yet some choose not to abide by them. The reason might not be good in our eyes or Steve Williams' eyes, buy they still exist.
I agree rules are rules. They shouldn't be bent in any form. It's just like "kind of cheating" on the course. There is no such thing. Either you break the rules or you follow them. There is no shaded area, Black and white!
The fact he did the same thing at Augusta with the uniform cap seems to confirm that he simply enjoys flouting rules and testing the patience of committees...
Hit the nail on the head with that one...no other reason than that.
What could be so disturbing about a couple of minutes more "Bib Time" anyway? He had the stupid thing on all day anyway. Is he trying to save 30 seconds of his valuable time by changing his clothes earlier? Maybe his boss should just putt faster so Steve can get to the plane quicker.
I get where everyone is coming from on the issue - and there have been some really great posts making your points. My only thing is that if the Tour has basically said it's a non-issue with them, why should I take an interest in whether or not Steve Williams is removing his bib before or after Tiger putts out on 18 - they don't care?
Definitely don't want to turn this into a clothing style thread, but it's kind of the same thing with very strict clubs that don't allow members to wear mock turtlenecks on the course; collared shirt only. But if they happened to host a tournament, I don't think they would be stopping Tiger at the gates and telling him to go get a different shirt. I know, I know - not really the same thing, but you can see the similarities in the lax enforcement of the rules.
If this was that big of a deal, all it would take is Finchem making an off-hand comment to Tiger and you'd never see it again.
If it truly isn't a big deal (because so few in our society want to stand up and enforce rules) then the caddies can move to have the rule modified or eliminated. Tiger/Stevie negotiated the ability of caddies to wear shorts instead of pants on tour. They can petition to eliminate the need to wear the bib until the completion of the competitor's round as well.
But, as the rule is currently stated, Williams should wear the damned thing until Tiger holes out his last putt. Any reason/excuse to not follow this simple rule is because he is money grubbing scum that is trying to gain Valvoline some air time. Does anyone here REALLY think that he would remove the bib if he didn't have that big "V" logo on his shirt. It's about dollars, pure and simple, and that makes it unacceptable conduct on his part.
Would you say that it's a big deal if Stevie/Tiger refused to wear the white jumpsuit at Augusta? What if he demanded that he be allowed to sew a Valvoline patch on his jumpsuit? Steve Williams is just being a whore.
I know a now-retired Royal Navy warrant officer who could solve the problem within a matter of minutes. I still have nighmares about my time at Dartmouth and a pair of working rig trousers with the pockets sewn shut to prevent idle hands from slipping into them.
I'm sure he'd be happy to supplement his pension with a bit of extra cash from the PGA Tour on a consultancy basis.
If it was just about the money, Steve could wear a "V" on his shorts/shoes or his hat...oops he's already got a V-Hat. For me its just Steve playing the prima donna and getting away with it, which for him is obviously important.
Who cares. This is such a minute detail. I bet some people loosen their tie or unbutton the top button before the end of the day. Some probably take it off. Who cares. I'm mad at myself for even reading this topic and replying to it.
I really don't get why this is such a big deal - is everyone really that upset that a caddy, somone who has no effect on the people outside the tournament ropes, is taking his bib off walking up to the 18th green? Maybe I'm just not seeing something, but I just don't get how he is disrespecting the tournament and the game by doing this.
And Stevie does it again this week. Of all places...
You would think that in a tournament that Tiger puts on to pay homage to those brave men and women in uniform that Steve would have the courtesy to wear his uniform.
cant stand stevie, I'm only 5'8" but damn I might just take a picture during Eldrick's swing just in hope Stevie would come towards me. I like my chances.
Might not be a big deal to some (as already noted) but could be a big deal too many, especially the other professionals he shares the course with. Show some respect!
seriously... who cares? making a big deal outta nothing if you ask me...
It wouldn't be a big deal if the PGA Tour held Woods to task for his caddy not wearing the uniform until he finished the round like he's supposed to. Assess Tiger a few strokes and that bib will stay on.
Absolutely disrespectful. But should we expect anything less from Steve Williams?
Some of you people can really get a stick up your butts about the most inane shite I have ever come across.
Seriously, come on for f***s sake, this is absolutely farking ridiculous.
Disrespecting the game and everything it stands for, blatantly flouting the rules blah de f***ing blah
Do you people actually read the shite you write here.
Get down off your high friggin horses and chill out.
So he takes his bib off on the 18th for his own sponsors. No-one is making a big deal about it except you guys,
sitting in front of your computers, putting the world to rights.
Some of you people can really get a stick up your butts about the most inane shite I have ever come across.
Seriously, come on for f***s sake, this is absolutely farking ridiculous.
Disrespecting the game and everything it stands for, blatantly flouting the rules blah de f***ing blah
Do you people actually read the shite you write here.
Get down off your high friggin horses and chill out.
So he takes his bib off on the 18th for his own sponsors. No-one is making a big deal about it except you guys, sitting in front of your computers, putting the world to rights.
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). Otherwise, all of the caddies will be 
ing stuff. 
