Woods Upset at Caddie for Ripping Mickelson

Tiger Woods is “disappointed” in longtime caddie Steve Williams for making derogatory comments about rival Phil Mickelson, the Times reports. “It was inappropriate. The matter has been discussed and dealt with,” Woods said in a statement. Williams told a large crowd in his native New Zealand that, among other things, he “wouldn’t call Mickelson a great player ‘cause I hate the prick.”

The caddie also made light of Mickelson’s weight. “I don’t deny that him and I don’t get along,” Williams said by way of apology. “I shouldn’t have said it, but no harm was meant.” Mickelson’s camp was less casual about the matter. “It’s deplorable he would say something like that. Golf is a game of honor and integrity,” his coach said. “That was a very uncalled-for remark.” (More Tiger Woods stories.)