Adam Scott Unaffected By The Woods-Williams Saga
Adam Scott apparently does not have much use for gossip and relationship drama.
In the same week that Tiger Woods has returned to the competitive landscape and without long-time caddie Steve Williams — who is now Scott's loop — the Australian has made himself the lead story at the World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational.
A scrambling 4-under 66 on Saturday at Firestone Country Club assured that his 12-under 198 score, the lowest 54-hole score in the last 10 years at Firestone, would put him in Sunday's final pairing with the lead.
Regardless of what he's doing on the course, his role in the Woods-Williams saga continues to attract TMZ-like attention. And, quite frankly, he seems ambivalent about what transpired.
"This kind of thing happens on the tour," he said of player-caddie splits. "It happens a lot every year with everyone, and just because it's Tiger and Steve, I'm not going to treat it like it's anything different than anyone else going through this. I don't have a problem, but if [Woods] has a problem, then he can definitely tell me."
With Woods sidelined and with his blessing, Williams took what was originally a part-time gig with Scott at the U.S. Open. Several weeks later, though, at the AT&T National, with Williams still looping for his fellow Australian, Woods severed their ties.
There is little question that Williams is one of golf's best bagmen. Prior to Woods, Williams, 47, caddied for Australians Peter Thomson, Ian Baker-Finch and Greg Norman, along with Hall of Famer Raymond Floyd.
Scott, 31, has long been touted as having the game to wins multiple majors. To date, though, Scott's best finish has been a tie for second at this year's Masters. That Scott has won seven times on both the PGA and European tours is evidence that his game is worth of such hype.
"I think he just wants to bring a good energy toward me," Scott said. "I think he believes in my game, that I can be one of the best players in the world. I think he thinks he can help me achieve that, and I believe that, too. So it's just a positive energy and just good motivation. Everything is very positive and confident with Steve so far and that's hopefully rubbing off on me."
Williams, no doubt, should be of extreme benefit to Scott and there is the rub in this new relationship. Going forward, any greater success that Scott should have, be it a FedEx Cup, player of the year or a major title, will also be attached to Williams, that the caddie played an instrumental role.
Unfortunately, that will be a disservice to Scott.
Scott is talented, good enough to win anything of major significance. To think otherwise is pure speculation, and Scott has no use for that either.
Stuart Hall is editor of the Golf Press Association.
