Golfers don't want Williams in hall of fame

Steve Williams. Photo / AP

Four of out five professional golfers don't want New Zealand caddy Steve Williams in golf's hall of fame, a poll has revealed.

Williams carried the bag for Tiger Woods during 13 of his 14 major wins and was standing by Adam Scott when the Australian won last year's Masters tournament at Augusta. Williams is set to retire as a fulltime caddy at the end of the current season.

A poll conducted by golf.com found that 19 percent of players felt Williams had done enough in his career as a caddy to earn a spot in the hall of fame. 81 percent said he didn't belong.

One anonymous golfer polled said: "I think he believes he should be".

Williams has been a caddy for 36 years and is set to caddy for two world number ones if Scott jumps to the top of the rankings next week.

Other non-players in the hall of fame include former US president George H. W. Bush, golf writer Dan Jenkins, television producer Frank Chirkinian and golf instructor Harvey Penick.

Bob Charles is the only New Zealander in the hall of fame after being inducted in 2008.

In other questions polled, 54 percent of PGA Tour players said they know the rules better than their caddy, while 19 percent of players believe there is not one gay player on the PGA Tour.

LPGA players were asked which player will have a better career between New Zealand's Lydia Ko, world number six Lexi Thompson and 18-year-old Brit Charley Hull. Ko was the overwhelming favourite with 79 percent of the votes.

In other LPGA player questions, more than 21 percent admitted to spending at least $US2,500 on a purse.

- nzherald.co.nz