Injured Woods set to look for new caddie

Woods, currently out of the sport through injury, made the announcement on his official website.

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to Stevie for all his help, but I think it’s time for a change,” said Woods.

“He is an outstanding caddie and a friend and has been instrumental in many of my accomplishments. I wish him great success in the future.”

Williams – who will now caddie for Australian Adam Scott on a permanent basis – responded on his own website hours later, stating: “I am no longer caddying for Tiger after he informed me that he needed to make a change.

“After 13 years of loyal service needless to say this came as a shock. I am very disappointed to end our very successful partnership at this time.”

Woods, 35, further announced that he has not yet decided on a replacement, although early talk has put Lee Westwood’s caddie, Billy Foster, in contention.

Foster, from Bingley, once caddied for Woods at the President’s Cup. Woods has not yet made a decision on when he will return to the PGA Tour.

Woods, a winner of 14 major titles, missed the Open at Sandwich last week with knee and Achilles injuries having also missed the US Open last month.

n American Dustin Johnson will look to put another near-miss in a major behind him at the Nordea Masters in Sweden.

The 27-year-old was in contention at Royal St George’s right up until the moment he slapped his second shot at the 14th out of bounds. He ended up finishing second.

He tees off at the Nordea Masters in Stockholm today with the Yorkshire duo of Richard Finch and John Parry also in action.