Story highlights
Adam Scott has defender under-fire caddy Steve Williams
Williams recently made racially-tinged remarks about former boss Tiger Woods
Williams has since apologized, Woods has said the New Zealander is not a racist
Woods and Scott will both play at this weekend's Australian Open
Australian golfer Adam Scott defended caddy Steve Williams on Wednesday following recent remarks the New Zealander made about former world number one Tiger Woods.
Williams made the comments at an event in Shanghai, China, where he was receiving a satirical award for a celebratory interview he gave after world No. 8 Scott had won their first tournament together in August.
When asked to explain the reason for his celebration at the Bridgestone Invitational, Williams, who had been fired by Woods in July, is reported to have said: “I wanted to shove it up that black a——-.”
Williams has since apologized for the comments, while 14-time major winner Woods expressed his belief that former employee Williams is not a racist after the pair spoke.
Should ‘idiot’ caddy be punished for Woods remark?
Scott, speaking ahead of this week’s Australian Open, described recent events as “unfortunate” while saying there was no place for racism in the game of golf.
“He’s (Williams) a part of my team and it was all unfortunate and I felt that if I spoke up I could say my piece and I wouldn’t need to deal with it any more,” the 31-year-old told a press conference.
Woods: Former caddy not a racist
“I think it’s a very unfortunate circumstance, we don’t need that in the game and I wanted to put an end to it and I feel that I have.
“Everyone has their own opinions about the subject, so now I’ve stood by mine and said all I have to say about (it) really.”
Williams sorry for Woods remark
Scott also denied the controversy had negatively impacted his form, after slipping from third heading into the final round of last weekend’s HSBC Champions tournament to finish tied for 11th.
“I don’t think that affected my golf swing,” he said. “I would say it was just a coincidence.”
After the upcoming tournament in Sydney, both Woods and Scott will remain in Australia to take part in the ninth Presidents Cup at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club.
The biennial event pits players from the U.S. against an International team and will be played between November 17 and 20.
