Tiger Woods will not be paired with Adam Scott and former caddie Steve Williams at this week's Australian Open in Sydney.
Organisers will not be putting marquee duo together in Sydney
Tiger Woods will not be paired with Adam Scott and former caddie Steve Williams at this week's Australian Open in Sydney.
The former world number one is making his first appearance at the event as he builds up to the Presidents Cup which takes place in Melbourne later this month.
Woods and local favourite Scott are undoubtedly the two marquee attractions for the event at The Lakes Golf Club in Sydney.
However, tournament organisers have confirmed the duo will not be placed together for the first two rounds, but insist that decision was not taken on the back of the row caused by Williams' recent racial slur against Woods.
"It has nothing to do with the incident that was spoken about over the weekend," explained tournament director Tony Roosenburg.
"It was never going to happen anyway. No chance."
Inflammatory comment
Williams - with whom Woods won 13 majors before terminating their relationship earlier this year - made his inflammatory comment at the annual caddies' award dinner on Friday.
The New Zealander has been widely condemned but, following an apology from the caddie, Scott has refused to sack him and he will be at the side of the world number eight in Sydney.
That is a decision which has received the backing of Scott's compatriot and former world number one Greg Norman.
Williams spent time on the bag of the Great White Shark during his stellar career and Norman - who will captain the International team at the Presidents Cup - claims Scott should not be judged for the incident.
Support from Norman
"Adam's a professional," stated Norman. "Whatever Steve's said was Steve's opinion, not Adam's.
"Steve obviously does a great job for Adam because Adam's been playing some great golf since Steve's been on his bag. I don't think there's any issue between Tiger and Adam at all."
"I hope it gets resolved. Golf doesn't need it. Golf needs Tiger back playing great golf like he used to."
