Golf: Reflected glory for Kiwi

AUGUSTA - New Zealand caddy Steve Williams created golfing history yesterday by becoming the first Grand Slam-winning caddy.

Williams, from Auckland, also became the first caddy in the game's rich history to carry the clubs in four straight winning majors.

"It's unbelievable, especially when you consider the pressure Tiger was under," Williams said.

"It's special that he completed it at Augusta and I really think that no one else is ever going to get a chance to do it.

"We've been working all year for today. He's been practising the shots all year that he's needed to come here and try to win."

Williams said Woods looked a little shaky at the first hole, when his drive from the tee took three hard bounces to the left and off the fairway.

But it was important putts at seven, eight, nine and 10 that were pivotal.

"Two of those were for birdies, on seven and eight, and two were par at nine and 10.

"They were huge putts right there."

Moments after being fitted for a second green jacket in four years, and as the American spoke of the magnitude of his accomplishment, Woods singled out Williams for praise.

"Steve's input has been invaluable," he said.

"We work wonderful as a team. We made a couple of mistakes during the tournament, but the decisions we made correctly far outweigh those bad decisions."

Williams savoured his first victory with Woods in the 1999 European Open in Heidelberg.

He has carried the clubs in 24 individual victories for Woods in a 23-month period.

- NZPA