WINDERMERE, Fla. – Tiger Woods announced Wednesday he had parted ways with Steve Williams, his caddie of the past 12 years.
"I want to express my deepest gratitude to Stevie for all his help, but I think it's time for a change," Woods said in a statement on his website. "Stevie is an outstanding caddie and a friend and has been instrumental in many of my accomplishments. I wish him great success in the future."
No replacement has been named.
Woods missed the US Open and British Open due to left knee and Achilles injuries sustained at the Masters. It is unclear when the 14-time major champion will return to action.
Williams acknowledged the split on his website, and announced he will become the full-time caddie for Australian Adam Scott, whose bag he carried at the US Open.
"Following the completion of the AT&T National I am no longer caddying for Tiger after he informed me that he needed to make a change," the statement read.
"After 13 years of loyal service needless to say this came as a shock. Given the circumstances of the past 18 months working through Tiger's scandal, a new coach and with it a major swing change and Tiger battling through injuries I am very disappointed to end our very successful partnership at this time," it went on.
The 47-year-old New Zealander became best known in recent years for his run-ins with fans, particularly those who irritated Woods by snapping pictures during his swing. In 2002 at the Skins Game, Williams snatched a camera from a fan and threw it in a pond after the fan took a picture during Woods' swing on the 18th hole.
Williams also sparked controversy in Dec. 2008 when he said he "hated" Phil Mickelson, and called him a "prick" at a charity event. Woods later called the comments "inappropriate."
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