Stage Three In Stevie's Rebranding: Pose In Tank Top With Pitchfork

Connell Barrett talks to Stevie Williams about caddying for Tiger Woods, Phil's complete understanding of the media spinning the truth and the epic wedge shot at Torrey's 18th.

This Golf Magazine piece follows his touching release of a rare bird that just happened to include a cameraman nearby and an NBC announcing gig.

On how he got to carry Tiger's luggage:

Then, in March 1999, Williams' phone rang again. It was someone claiming to be Tiger Woods. Woods had recently fired Mike "Fluff" Cowan, and Tiger wanted a veteran caddie who, in Williams' words, "could stimulate and extend him."

I knew they were close, but geeze. That description coupled with this photo accompanying the article might give some the wrong impression. Not that there's anything wrong with that!

Williams expects pandemonium when Woods returns, and he's ready to resume his role as the Tour's resident tyrant. "People have this image of me as a bully, but my job is to give Tiger a level playing field against 150 other players. We have more photographers and press following us than anyone. To those who criticize me, I say come walk with us through practice rounds, pro-ams, the whole week, and then tell me I'm a bully." Williams regrets kicking a photographer's lens at the 2004 U.S. Open and tossing a camera into a pond at the Skins Game. But be warned: If your shutter click-clicks in Tiger's backswing, your camera may join Luca Brasi. "Heaven help anyone who bothers my boss," Williams says.

On behalf of the blogosphere Stevie, we thank you in advance!

On calling Phil a prick and making up a story about a spectator making a comment that never happened:

"I made a mistake in a fun atmosphere," Williams says. "It was a joke taken the wrong way. I was having banter with a writer. I should not have said it. Tiger was not happy. I called Phil and spoke to him to clear the air. He was very sympathetic. He said, "Steve, I totally understand.' He's had his own problems with the media. So the matter is settled."

Isn't it always the media's fault?