3 minute read
US and European golf tour bosses are happy with an apology to end a racial row sparked by Tiger Woods' former caddy Steve Williams.
Golf's two top tour executives say caddie Steve Williams' apology for a racial slur against Tiger Woods is sufficient and they will not take any action.
PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem and European Tour chief executive George O'Grady issued the statement Sunday after the HSBC Champions, a Shanghai tournament sanctioned by all the major tours.
While getting roasted on Friday at a caddies awards party in the Chinese city, Williams said of the TV interview he gave at the Bridgestone Invitational that "it was my aim to shove it up that black a*******."
Several leading players - including Williams' new Australian boss Adam Scott - dismissed his racial slur as nothing more than a misguided joke "that should never have left the room".
Williams was on the bag for Bridgestone winner Scott, two weeks after Woods had fired him. Adding to the moment, Woods was playing - with a new caddie - for the first time in three months.
Scott, who tied for 11th at the Shanghai event, said after the final round on Sunday he was comfortable with the tour's statement, which said the International Federation of PGA Tours "feels strongly there is no place for any form of racism in ours or any other sport."
"I don't think anyone condones racism in sport or anything," Scott said.
He stood by Williams' apology on his website, however, and said "absolutely" that Williams will be working for him the next two weeks in Australia. That includes the Australian Open, where he is to be playing with Woods the opening two rounds.
"I think from my side of things and my teams, the matter has been put to bed. I've got nothing more to talk about it with anyone. So I'm moving on."
Scott has said that while Williams' comments made it out of the room - the awards party was meant to be off the record - context did not follow. And he bristled when a reporter asked if Scott was condoning racism by taking no action against Williams.
"Look, I don't think digging for a story out of me on this is a good idea," Scott said. "I had Steve issue an apology. What more should I do? I don't know if you were there in the evening."
The reporter shook his head.
"So I don't think you have a leg to stand on when it comes to commenting," Scott added.
Williams posted an online statement Saturday apologising to Woods and admitting his comments "could be construed as racist" after fellow caddies, fans and sponsors reacted with disgust to his remarks.
The New Zealander was employed by Woods for 12 years, the pair winning 72 tournaments together with the caddy earning an estimated $US3 million ($A2.9 million), before their acrimonious split this year.
The 47-year-old caddy, who kept silent during Woods' sex scandal, is believed to have struggled to come to terms with his axing and issued a series of barbed comments before his racial slur.
Williams has previously courted controversy with his outspokenness and gruff personality.
