“My aim was to shove it right up that black --------.” - Caddie Steve Williams, at an awards banquet for caddies in China, addressing his comments after his new boss - Adam Scott - won the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational in August.
“Why would they do that? The whole thing was meant to be fun.” - Williams again, who was stunned to learn that British tabloids got wind of his comments and went public with them.
“I was with Tiger last night when he heard the news ... Tiger obviously wasn’t there. He doesn’t know exactly what was said. But if multiple reports - which all seem to be accurate - are true, then it’s sad it’s come down to this. It’s a regrettable comment, and there’s really nothing that Tiger can do or say. He’s just going to move on.” - Mark Steinberg, Tiger Woods’ agent, on his reaction to the controversy.
“Everything in that room last night was all in good spirits and a bit of fun, probably taken out of that room in the wrong context.” - Adam Scott.
“I’ve had an ear infection for two weeks and I couldn’t hear a lot of what was going on.” - Lee Westwood, trying to stay clear of the controversy.
“I now realize how my comments could be construed as racist. However, I assure you that was not my intent. I sincerely apologize to Tiger and anyone else I’ve offended.” - Williams again, releasing the statement on his website the following day.
“Shall I give Steve a rough over the knuckles? He issued a statement. I think that’s the right thing to do. What more should he say? What more can I say? He’s apologized, and he’s done the right thing.” - Scott.
“He takes one word out of that sentence, and nothing gets said about it. These are racially sensitive times, especially in sport.” - Graeme McDowell.
“It’s just unfortunate that there’s been such an argument between a player and a caddie. I’ve heard that Stevie has apologized for his comments, and I think now that he’s done that, everyone can just move on and put it behind them.” - Rory McIlroy.
“We consider the remarks of Steve Williams, as reported, entirely unacceptable in whatever context. We are aware that he has apologized fully and we trust we will not hear remarks ever gain. Based on this, we consider the matter closed, and we will have no further comment.” - PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem and European Tour chief executive George O’Grady in a joint statement.
“If that was Joe LaCava he wouldn’t be caddying for me today. If (a caddie) has that kind of anger for a pretty good guy, I don’t want him around me.” - Fred Couples told GolfWorld magazine.
“We’ve all made stupid comments at stupid times, unfortunately his stupid comment became global news. I know he probably regrets saying it but I guarantee you in that room on that night there was probably some heavier things said.” - Greg Norman.
“It was a wrong thing to say, something that we both acknowledge. He did apologize. It was hurtful, certainly, but life goes forward. Stevie’s certainly not a racist. There’s no doubt about that. It was a comment that shouldn’t have been made and was certainly one that he wished he didn’t make.’ - Tiger Woods.
