Tiger Woods' Ex-Caddie Admits Using False Yardages To Manage Adrenaline Boosts

Steve Williams, Tiger Woods' longtime caddie during their dominant partnership from 1999 to 2011, revealed that he intentionally provided Woods with incorrect yardages to account for the adrenaline-driven surge in power Woods exhibited under pressure. Williams explained that when Woods was "running a little warm," his adrenaline caused him to move faster and hit the ball significantly farther than usual, sometimes by a full club's length, which could lead to overshooting shots if not managed. To compensate, Williams would adjust the yardages he called out, for example telling Woods a shot was longer than it actually was, ensuring Tiger selected the appropriate club for the extra distance his adrenaline-fueled swing generated. This strategic deception, described by Williams as a necessary and constant adjustment, was aimed at balancing Woods' natural physical response to stress and maintaining his precision on the course. The revelation sparked debate within the golf community about the ethics and genius of such tactics, with some fans expressing surprise and others appreciating the nuanced human element in caddying. Despite occasional strain in their relationship after Williams left to caddy for other players, their collaboration resulted in 13 major championships and remains a defining chapter in Woods' career.