Williams 'disappointed' by Woods sacking

july 21, 2011 -- Updated 1418 GMT (2218 HKT)

Tiger Woods (left) and Steve Williams (right) have worked together for 13 years.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• Caddie Steve Williams is "disappointed" by Tiger Woods' decision to sack him
• The New Zealander had been working for Woods for 13 years
• Williams will now work with Australian Adam Scott on a permanent basis
• Williams claims Woods is not as mentally strong as he used to be

(CNN) -- Caddie Steve Williams said he is "disappointed" by the timing of Tiger Woods' decision to sack him after a 13-year working relationship.
Woods, 35, made the announcement Wednesday, but New Zealander Williams said the 14-time major winner broke the news to him after the conclusion of the AT & T National tournament on July 3.
The 47-year-old Williams caddied for Adam Scott, who he will now work with on a permanent basis, at the Washington event and he did not rule out his involvement with the Australian being behind Woods' decision to end their partnership.
"I'm sure it was possibly part of the reason," Williams told LiveSPORT radio in New Zealand when asked if his work with Scott, 31, had influenced Woods' decision.
Woods parts company with long-standing caddie Williams

I'm just a little disappointed in the timing of it, given the circumstances of the past 18 months
--Steve Williams

RELATED TOPICS

• Tiger Woods
• Steve Williams
• Adam Scott
• PGA Tour
• Golf

"Players, when they're not playing to the level they would like to play at over an extended period of time, it's not uncommon for them to change a caddie, a coach or to bring someone new into the group.
"I'm just a little disappointed in the timing of it, given the circumstances of the past 18 months and what we've been working through. So the timing of it is a little disappointing."
Woods has slipped to 20th in the world rankings after struggling for form and fitness since returning from a self-imposed exile from the sport in April 2010.
Williams said it would be hard to rebuild the respect he had for Woods after recent events.
"I think when you're great friends with somebody and a situation like this occurs you obviously lose some kind of respect, and that sort of respect has to be gained back through time.
"Given my loyalty, and the way I am, the timing of it is pretty poor really. I've stood by this guy through thick and thin and the timing of it is very poor from my perspective."
When asked if Woods could return to the dominant form he once enjoyed, Williams said the American's reputation is not as fearsome as it once was and he now faces much stiffer competition for golf's top honors.
"The competition is so much better now. It's incredible in the last two or three years how much better the competition is, how much deeper it is.
"Tiger probably won a large amount of tournaments with a lot of intimidation factor. He has no longer got any intimidation factor.
"The guys are not intimidated by him anymore because he has played so poorly for so long and they know he's not mentally as strong as he used to be.