Tiger, Tiger, Tiger!

Tiger in an accident. Tiger accused of infidelity. Tiger trying to save his marriage. Tiger getting a divorce. Tiger's new party girl girlfriend. Tiger out for injury. Tiger and Caddie Split. Tiger returns for Bridgestone. Tiger, Tiger, Tiger!

While the prior year was a big one for Tiger Woods being in the media; he's had another kind of media frenzy this year. He started playing and slowly getting back into contention and then had to miss several events due to an achilles injury and his knee not being up to par (no pun intended). He has announced he will return for the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Augl 11-14th.

Then just recently, he split with longtime caddie and friend Steve Williams. We all know that they were in each other's weddings, and the friendship "was" a strong one. Steve had been with Tiger for 12 years. He stood by Tiger waiting out the past 2 years through the scandal of infidelity and injury and then without any warning to Williams, he was called into a meeting at AT&T National to get the news he was being let go. The hardest thing for Steve about this split, was as he says "the timing". I'm sure in addition to timing, will be the $1 million a year pay for the duties of caddying.

While the norm is $1,000-1500/week plus 5% cut when their player finishes out of the top 10, a 7% cut with a top ten finish and 10% of a "winner's" paycheck; there could be different contracts worked out such as what Tiger and Steve had.  The downfall from the normal payment guideline per se, is when a player misses the cut, so does the players caddy. To say there aren't some bitter feelings for Steve about his dismissal, would be saying he won't miss the money. Since that split, Williams has been caddying for Adam Scott. One thing is for sure, Steve will land on his feet. He's a great guy and a talented caddy, who is extremely loyal to say the least.

Tiger has filled the job with a longtime friend of his since his younger childhood days, Byron  Bell. Byron just happens to also be the president of Tiger's golf course design company. The perfect pair matchup for WCG-Bridgestone, would be Adam Scott/Steve Williams with Tiger Woods/Byron Bell. I for one, would be anxious to see if Tiger offers Williams any respect on or off the course at Firestone. After all, he hasn't thus far. Williams has not spoken to Tiger since that mtg called at AT&T National.

It's safe to say, that no one is indispensable. Whether on a professional level in golf or in a board room, there's always someone ready and waiting to take your job!

I hope that Steve Williams has a successful time, while looping for Adam Scott. Wherever Steve lands permanently, that player will be lucky to have him!

Now, Go Hit Some Balls............