Golf: Steve Williams to caddie for Aussie

New Zealand caddie Steve Williams will take to the golf course at this week's US Open despite the injury-enforced absence of his boss Tiger Woods.

Williams, who has been Woods' caddie since 1999, will work for Australian Adam Scott when the major championship begins on the Bethesda course at the Congressional Country Club on Friday (NZT).

But Scott, who split with longtime caddie Tony Navarro last month. played down suggestions the partnership could become permanent.

"No. He is Tiger's guy and that's how it is," Scott told the Associated Press

Woods, who has won 13 major championships with Williams at his side, withdrew from the Open last Tuesday because of lingering injuries to his left knee and Achilles tendon.

Scott, ranked 21st in the world, finished joint second at this year's Masters and has not won a major championship. He briefly employed Williams's younger brother Phil on his bag a decade ago after a suggestion from his older brother.

"He's been a good friend to me, a bit of a confidant in my career," Scott said. "I thought it would be worth a call seeing as I'm between guys at the moment. I'm glad he hopped on a plane and came over - got to make the most of him."

Carrying Scott's bag will be strange for Williams who was Raymond Floyd's caddie before linking with Woods.

"I haven't caddied for another player since I started with Tiger," Williams said.

Woods' agent, Mark Steinberg, played down the significance of the 47-year-old Williams linking with Scott.

"Steve and Adam are friends," Steinberg told the Washington Post. "When Adam found out Tiger couldn't play, Adam called Steve, and Steve called Tiger. As far as I'm concerned, it's just for the US Open.

"Just like Tiger doesn't want to miss any majors, I'm sure Stevie doesn't want to miss any majors," he said.

- NZPA