Williams apologises for racial slur against Woods

Shanghai: Caddie Steve Williams has apologised for making a racist remark about former employer Tiger Woods that stunned guests at an awards ceremony in Shanghai.

"I apologise for the comments I made last night at the annual Caddie Awards dinner in Shanghai," Williams said in a statement on his website. "Players and caddies look forward to this evening all year and the spirit is always joking and fun. I now realise how my comments could be construed as racist." "However I assure you that was not my intent. I sincerely apologise to Tiger and anyone else I have offended." Williams had been a regular caddie for Woods since 1999 and helped the American to 13 majors before being fired in July. The New Zealander hit out at the manner of the split and a month later was in the news again after his new employer, Adam Scott, won the WGC Bridgestone Invitational at Akron, Ohio. Williams had told reporters: "It`s the most satisfying win I`ve ever had, there`s no two ways about it. It`s the greatest week of my life caddying and I sincerely mean that." He later apologised for those comments, saying his emotions got the better of him. Williams had been called on stage at the private function late on Friday to receive the "Celebration of the Year" award and was asked to talk about his reaction following Scott`s win so soon after being fired by Woods. He left the function at a luxury Shanghai hotel without making further comment. The 100 caddies, players and guests in attendance had accepted their invitations on condition they would not disclose what happened at the ceremony, which was held after the second round of the WGC-HSBC Champions tournament. Bureau Report