During the third round of The Masters, I noticed that Tiger Woods' caddie, Steve Williams, wasn't wearing a hat. Not a big deal, really; plenty of golfers -- and those tasked with carrying their bags -- prefer the look, but it seemed out of place at Augusta National because, well, it's out of place at Augusta National.
[Williams] incurred the wrath of Masters officials on Saturday when he worked part of the third round without wearing the official green tournament cap. According to other caddies, Steve Williams was approached by an official on the back nine and instructed to put the cap back on, after going hatless for several holes...Ah, yes, a tradition unlike any other. One caddie, who in no way could be jealous of Williams' good fortune, had some thoughts on the matter:
"If I've got to wear the cap, everybody's got to wear the cap," said one caddie, speaking on the condition of anonymity. "Every caddie has heard about what he did and nobody approves of it. Some of these people forget they're just a caddie. "It should be an honor to come to The Masters. If you don't want to wear a hat, don't come. Believe it or not, the tournament will still go on without you."Duly noted, anonymous angry guy.
Still, I wonder what would've happened if Williams had refused. I can imagine henchmen, on instructions from the green-jacketed mafia, emerging from azaleas to hold Williams down long enough to duct tape the hat back to his head. Not only would he be in compliance with the rules, it would send a very clear message to the rest of the would-be non-conformists.
Apparently, though, this isn't Williams' first run in with fashion-conscious rules officials: Once, at the Dunlop Phoenix tournament in Japan, where caddies also have to wear Masters-style white overalls, Williams peeled them down to his waist.
That's so Tony D'Annunzio.
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Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 1)
1. What's the punishment for refusing to wear the hat? Fine? Suspension? Termination? If he pinned the green hat to his backside, would that be considered wearing the hat? Steve, what a rebel.
Posted at 10:58AM on Apr 16th 2008 by Rusty@therustygourmet.com
2. Steve Williams is getting a little to full of himself. Lets not forget what happened to "Fluff" a few years back. Williams is more a body guard than a caddie....hell...anyone could caddy for Tiger...just give him the yardage and its done.
Posted at 6:39PM on Apr 17th 2008 by wedgeclose
3. The Masters has the right to set there ruled, if you don't like them don't Caddie there or any place else.... Remember, your are just a Caddie and a job most anybody would lone to do.
Russ
Posted at 11:22AM on Apr 20th 2008 by RWeller224