For Steve Williams, the 2011 US Open will be a significant break from the norm. After all, Williams is known as Tiger Woods right-hand man, and has been on the bag for the PGA Tour star since 1999. Williams and Woods have been partners in crime, and the two are synonymous with each other on tour. But with Woods sidelined with an injury, Williams will switch bags, and guide Adam Scott around the course at Congressional this weekend.
Scott is in the midst of finding a new caddy, leaving some to wonder whether Williams may be that man. Both Williams and Scott shot-down the notion saying this is a temporary arrangement while Woods is out with an injury. And before Williams took the job, he ran the idea by Woods before accepting it with his blessing.
"Adam and Steve are friends and have been good friends for a while, and Adam asked Steve if he would help him out," said Mark Steinberg, Woods' agent. "Steve then called Tiger. Like any athlete or competitor, Steve doesn't want to miss a major, either."
It wouldn't be a US Open without Williams throwing a camera into a lake or angrily scolding a bustling gallery. And while it can't hurt to have such an experienced man on the bag at Congressional, it's still up to Scott to go out and perform. Williams is there to be a guide, dole-out advice when necessary and serve as a calming influence, something he's learned well working alongside Woods.
Scott, Bubba Watson and Robert Karlsson tee-off from the 10th tee at 8:28 a.m. EDT in the first round of the US Open.
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