Wednesday Morning Golf News

Steve Williams insists his relationship with Tiger is strong and he will remain as Tigers caddie and friend.

Tiger easy meat for European team – McIlory – Fast rising Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy is hoping that struggling world number one golfer Tiger Woods is picked as a United States wild card for October’s Ryder Cup because he believes that he will be easy prey for the European team.

The 21-year-old Ulsterman’s star has been in the ascendant this year finishing third in both the British Open and the PGA Championship last Sunday and he says that he would love to take on Woods at Celtic Manor in Wales in the biennial event which runs from October 1-3.

Woods form has been middling to poor this year as he has battled to overcome the sex scandal that hit him late last year and is at the behest of US captain Corey Pavin to see if he is one of the four wil card picks which must be supplied by September 7.

“I’m sure we’ll probably see him (Woods) in Wales,” said McIlroy, who was one shot off joining German Martin Kaymer and Bubba Watson in the PGA play-off which Kaymer went on to win… I would love to face him. Unless his game rapidly improves…I think anyone in the European team would fancy their chances against him.” [Supersport]

Steve Williams says job is secure – New Zealander Steve Williams doesn’t believe his job as Tiger Woods’ caddie is under any threat, despite media speculation about their 11-year association and concern over the champion golfer’s form.

Williams told New Zealand radio Wednesday that he and Woods remain close friends and there is no possibility their working relationship is about to end.

“I’m sure if there was going to be some sort of parting of the ways, I’d be the first to know,” he said. “From my point of view, I don’t see any chance of that happening.”

Williams said Woods had no plans to change his key personnel, though he has struggled to regain form after taking a break from the PGA Tour amid revelations of marital infidelities.

“People speculate. He’s not playing well and his results aren’t what we’re used to,” Williams said in the radio interview. “Tiger and I are very good friends and we’ve been through a tough time, there’s no question about that.

“I’m fully supportive of the guy and he’s been great through this whole situation with me.”

Williams expressed confidence in the ability of Woods’ new swing coach Sean Foley to revive his game.

“He hasn’t decided if that’s the coach who’s going to be with him, but I really like what this new guy had to say and what his theories are,” Williams said. “If Tiger decides to stick with Sean, I believe he’ll get better. It might take a little while.” [Espn]

PGA player Every suspended – PGA Tour rookie Matt Every has been suspended for three months by the organization, according to several publications.

Golfweek first reported that the 26-year-old Every had been suspended for “conduct unbecoming a professional” after he was arrested last month on a misdemeanour charge of marijuana possession.

While the PGA Tour would not comment on the report, Every’s agent, Kevin Canning, confirmed the three month hiatus.

“Beginning with the week of the Turning Stone Resort Championship, Matt Every began serving a three-month suspension for conduct unbecoming a professional,” read a statement by Canning. “Matt respects the Tour’s decision and is looking forward to his return at the Children’s Miracle Network Classic. He is eager to put this incident behind him and move on with his life and his career.”

The suspension means Every will be eligible to return for the final PGA event of the Fall Series, leaving him just one chance to retain his Tour card. At the time of his suspension, he was 144th on the money list. Only the top 125 golfers retain their Tour card for the next season. [Golfcanada]