Golf: Caddie Williams a 'bully'

LONDON - Golf caddie Steve Williams has been labelled a "bully" in a scathing article published in newspapers across the United States.

Tiger Woods posted a note on his website last week after his New Zealand caddie first kicked over a photographer's lens and then confiscated another camera during the US Open.

Williams' actions drew enormous criticism at Shinnecock Hills with Woods agreeing Williams went a bit too far but saying: "Steve was just trying to protect me".

But in an article, syndicated from the east to west coast of the US, Williams has been taken to task for his actions with suggestions the frustration being experienced by the long time world No 1 is down to Williams.

Williams has also been accused of having a track record for attacking photographers. In a 2002 Skins match, a fan took of photo of Woods that forced Woods into miscuing a shot from a bunker.

Williams reacted by tossing the camera into a greenside lake.

"In trying to protect Tiger, Williams has become a bully," said the article's author, Bob Buttitta.

"By virtue of Woods' success, Williams has become a minor celebrity. Perhaps the attention has gone to Williams' head.

"Because he carries Tiger's bag, that does not give him special privileges."

- NZPA