Golf: Injured caddie keen on quick return to Baypark

Steve Williams

Tiger Woods' caddie, Steve Williams, was discharged from Tauranga Hospital yesterday after badly injuring his hand in a speedway crash, but plans to be back behind the wheel soon.

The left-handed New Zealander expects to be back carrying the American superstar's golf bags in two weeks.

From his Auckland home later yesterday, Williams, 41, would only say through a spokeswoman he was taking things day by day after surgery on his hand.

He received two large cuts that exposed the bone and damaged tendons.

But the high-profile caddie has told Baypark Speedway promoters he is keeping his options open over competing in next weekend's North Island super saloon championships at Tauranga.

Williams is a regular competitor at Baypark when his caddying commitments allow.

Stadium owner Bob Clarkson, who saw Friday night's spectacular crash, said he was thankful he had built the safety fence 2m higher than required.

"He might have gone over if it had been the regular size."

Williams was battling for the lead against competitor Brent McClymont on the last lap when a wheel on his Ford Mustang clipped the other car. His vehicle catapulted into the air and its roof hit the safety barrier.