Another strain on the Tiger Woods-Phil Mickelson relationship

They've never been the closest of friends, on or off the course, but now the relationship between Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson threatens to deteriorate further.

Steve Williams, Woods' caddie, was back in his home in New Zealand and had some off-color things to say in news reports over the weekend that were strong enough to bring a response from Mickelson's camp ... something that is far from common in a sport that likes to promote itself as one based in sportsmanship and tradition.

Williams was quoted as saying, "I wouldn't call Mickelson a great player, 'cause I hate the ...," using a term not suitable for general consumption. He also talked about an incident at the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines in June in which Mickelson, playing with Woods, was supposedly heckled by a fan with an off-color remark on the 17th hole and played poorly thereafter.

Sunday, Mickelson's representatives sent a brusquely worded statement to media outlets that included this comment from Mickelson, "After seeing Steve Williams' comments all I could think of was how lucky I am to have a class act like Bones on my bag and representing me." Bones is the nickname for Mickelson's caddie, Jim MacKay.

Mickelson's statement also said the Williams anecdote was an "absolute fabrication" and that his comments were "grossly inaccurate and irresponsible."

In addition, the  statement also rebutted the heckling anecdote, saying that it was an often-told story about the 2002 U.S. Open at Bethpage in New York, not the 2008 Open at Torrey Pines, and that the story involved a European Tour player, not Mickelson.

Approached by the Sunday Star Times the day after the first interview ran, Williams acknowledged that the heckling story, in fact, might have been at Bethpage. He also said of Mickelson, "I don't particularly like the guy myself. He pays me no respect at all and hence I don't pay him any respect. It's no secret we don't get along either."

No word yet from Woods. Just don't expect Mickelson and the world's No. 1 player to be pairing up in any lighthearted practice rounds once Woods begins playing again.

--Mike James

Photo: Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson during the opening round of the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines in June. Credit: Richard Hartog / Los Angeles Times.

Comments

[Golf guy]

Of course I don't know the dynamics of the relationship between Phil and Steve, but Steve is a caddie. Albeit, and important part of a golfers' success but frankly, most people outside of NZ don't really care about Steve Williams so his comments are odd at best.

It's like the secretary piping up with criticism at a corporate board meeting. Makes for a great 80's movie with Melanie Griffith, but in real life that secretary would get some walking papers. Not saying Tiger would or should - just saying it's awkward.

[dan]

Wow, Im a huge Tiger fan but if this is true and thats what steve williams said then he should be reprimanded. by tiger and the pga. there is no room for off color comments like these. Tiger do the right thing and take steve to task.

[dondeago]

Personally, I like all individuals involved in this verbal fiasco, but I think Steve should apologize and put an end to this. While golf is an activity of gentlemen, it is still a very competitive sport where emotions play a significant role, and the best sportsmen leave their emotions on the course.

[mike]

tiger as a class act should fire his caddie for such comments

[Mike]

Wonder how the PGA would react if an actual golfer said this about a competitor? The NHL, NBA, and NFL all take a pretty hard line on this type of stuff. Where is the PGA?

[bino herrera]

I don't see Williams getting reprimanded by the PGA as they never reprimand Mr. Woods for his transgressions on the golf course, such as throwing clubs. they need a new commish.

[Dave and Chris Anderson]

If Tiger decides to dump Williams ( Which, if he has any class he will), I sincerely hope he doesn't rehire him in one of his foundations involving young people.

[ed]

I think some of the info from the media is fabricated. I remember an incident that involved myself in a shooting ( I got shot) and they said I was Latino , but I'm not , and they ( the local news ) Where I was shot was also wrong.