In a recent episode of the ‘The Yardage Book Podcast’, long-time caddie of legen Tiger Woods, Steve Williams, shared details from his memoir ‘Together We Roared, describing the intense standards Woods demanded. Even after record-setting wins, the 15-time major championships winner still strived hard to win some more. It is well known that in sports, and in life, reaching success is hard, but maintaining that success is even harder.
Just like in intense battles with Phil Mickelson, Woods had a trait that added tremendous pressure on those around him. His relentless aproach, marked by incredible focus and concentration during preparation and game-time, defined one of golf’s greatest eras. Steve Williams tells us a little bit about the ‘secret sauce’ behind it and the significant cost to those who shared the path to victory.
Williams and Woods, roaoring together
Steve Williams, a New Zealander, joined Tiger in 1999 and was by his side for the next 11 years. He was part of the memorable ‘Tiger Slam’, which saw Woods hold all four majors simultaneously in 2000-01. The thing that made this partnership so successful wasn?t Tiger’s perfect swing, it was his never staisfied persona, his unrelenting drive for constant improvement.
“One of the most unusual things about Tiger…he didn’t celebrate. It was always on the next thing, on to the next major”, explained Williams. Taking us to Woods’ historic 15-stroke victory at the 2000 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, Williams vividly described the immediate aftermath of an event celebrated by many, except by Tiger. “The next thing he says (after winning the major championship) is, ‘Steve, I’m going to play even better in St. Andrews (home of ‘The Open’ major). You go get your ass over there and get to know every blade of grass on that course.”
This obsessive mindset propelled Woods to an even more dominant win at the mentioned 2000 Open Championship: finishing nine strokes clear while avoiding a single bunker. Williams even described that four-round showing as “his best 72-hole performance” in their 12-year run together.
Woods placed immense pressure on Williams
“The pressure of working for someone like that was immense”, recalled Woods’ ex-caddie. Williams elaborated on his own laborious preparation: crafting exhaustive yardage books, compiling statistics, and analyzing course nuances. Eventually the toll on both men’s relationship became clear. After their split in 2011, due to a sudden firing over the phone, both reflected on the highs and exhaustion brought on by their laureated partnership.
Tiger Woods’ major wins
- Masters Tournament: 5 (1997, 2001, 2002, 2009, 2019)
- PGA Championship: 4 (1999, 2000, 2006, 2007)
- U.S. Open: 3 (2000, 2002, 2008)
- The Open Championship: 3 (2000, 2005, 2006)
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