• PGA Tour

Williams is no racist - Tiger

ESPN staff
November 8, 2011
Tiger Woods fired Steve Williams in July © Getty Images
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Tiger Woods insists former caddie Steve Williams is not a racist after the pair met to clear the air in Sydney on Tuesday morning.

Woods, currently preparing for the Australian Open, was the target of a racial slur from his former bag carrier whilst Williams attended a private function in Shanghai last week. Williams' comments certainly caused a stir, but Woods says he was willing to forgive the New Zealander as the two men shook hands and agreed to move.

"Steve is certainly not a racist," Woods said. "There's no doubt about that. It was a comment that shouldn't have been made. It was one that he wished he didn't make. We talked this morning, face to face. He did apologise."

The 13-time major winner did, however, reveal his disappointment at Williams' behaviour. After spending 12 years as a team, Woods says the derogatory remark hurt, but is now hoping to move on and concentrate on Thursday's opening round at The Lakes.

"I don't know how it could have happened but it did. It was hurtful [but] life goes forward. We'll see what time does. As we all know, time does heal all wounds," said Woods.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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