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Woods' former caddie apologetic over racial remarks

Tiger Woods and Steve Williams teamed up in 1999 © PA Photos

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Tiger Woods' former caddie, Steve Williams, has apologised for alleged racist remarks he made at the annual Caddie of the Year awards in Shanghai.

Williams and Woods spent 12 years as a team, but parted company in acrimonious circumstances in July. The New Zealander has since sparked controversy when speaking of his former employer, and compounded matters on Friday by allegedly saying at the public event: "It was my aim to shove it up that black arsehole."

Currently in China carrying the bag for new employer Adam Scott, Williams later stated via his personal website that emotions had got the better of him during the informal event.

"I apologise for comments I made last night at the Annual Caddie Awards dinner in Shanghai," Williams said. "Players and caddies look forward to this evening all year and the spirit is always joking and fun.

"I now realise how my comments could be construed as racist. However I assure you that was not my intent. I sincerely apologise to Tiger and anyone else I have offended."

Woods is yet to respond to Williams' comments after arriving in Perth, Australia on Saturday to prepare for the upcoming Australian Open, which begins in Sydney next Thursday.

A public statement in defence of Williams from Woods would appear to give the caddie the best chance of surviving with both his current job and career intact, but Woods' agent suggested the 14-time major champion will stay out of the fray and let matters take their course.

"It's a regrettable comment, and there's really nothing that Tiger can do or say," agent Mark Steinberg said. "He's just going to move on."

After salvaging a round of 69 to stay in the hunt at the WGC-HSBC Champions on Saturday, Scott himself gave an initial indication that he will not sack Williams after the tournament finishes, as is expected in many quarters.

"Look, anything with Tiger involved is a story," Scott said. "I value Steve's contribution to my game and to have him on the bag. While he's caddying, I hope he can caddie for me."

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