• PGA Tour

Norman backs Williams following Tiger comments

ESPN staff
November 7, 2011
Steve Williams has been backed by his boss Adam Scott © Getty Images
Enlarge

The Australian Open is being screened on ESPN this week. Click here to subscribe

Greg Norman has rallied to Steve William's aid, insisting Tiger Woods' former caddie is not a racist.

Williams sent shockwaves through the world of golf when at a caddies' dinner in Shanghai he said: "It was my aim to shove it up that black ********".

Williams' comment was in reference to his controversial celebration after winning his first tournament with Adam Scott in August - just a couple of weeks after being axed by Woods. The caddie has since apologised for his outburst, which has divided opinion on the course. Williams enjoyed success with Norman and his former employer has backed him.

"Steve's not a racist, not at all," former world No. 1 Norman said. "We've all made stupid comments at stupid times, unfortunately his stupid comment became global news and I know he probably regrets it.

"But I guarantee you in that room, that night, there were some heavier things said.

"Because of the temperature of what was going on between the two of them, anything that was said was going to exacerbate that feeling. I hope it gets resolved. Golf doesn't need it, golf needs Tiger back playing great golf the way he used to.

"Golf needs the cohesiveness that's always existed. There's always been underlying currents, not everybody loves each other, and if we dislike each other, we just have a tendency of parting our ways and not seeing each other.

"To have it played out the way it has been sad for the game of golf."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices