Tour executives consider Woods- Williams racist slur case closed

Golf’s two top tour executives condemned caddie Steve Williams’ racial slur about Tiger Woods yesterday, yet stopped short of taking any action.

“We consider the remarks of Steve Williams, as reported, entirely unacceptable in whatever context,” said a statement from PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem and European Tour chief executive George O’Grady. “We are aware that he has apologized fully and we trust we will not hear remarks ever gain. Based on this, we consider the matter closed, and we will have no further comment.” While getting roasted Friday night at a caddies award party, Williams said of his infamous TV interview he gave at the Bridgestone Invitational, “It was my aim to shove it up that black a------.” Williams was on the bag for Bridgestone winner Adam Scott, two weeks after Woods had fired him. Adding to the moment, Woods was playing - with a new caddie - for the first time in three months.

Scott, who tied for 11th at Sheshan International, said after the final round he was comfortable with the tour’s statement, which said the International Federation of PGA Tours “feels strongly there is no place for any form of racism in ours or any other sport.” “I don’t think anyone condones racism in sport or anything,” Scott said.

He stood by Williams’ apology on his website, however, and said “absolutely” that Williams will be working for him the next two weeks in Australia. That includes the Australian Open, where he is to be playing with Woods the opening two rounds.

“I don’t see it being an issue moving forward,” Scott said. “I think from my side of things and my teams, the matter has been put to bed. I’ve got nothing more to talk about it with anyone. So I’m moving on.” Scott has said that while Williams’ comments made it out of the room - the awards party was meant to be off the record - context did not follow. And he bristled when a reporter asked if Scott was condoning racism by taking no action against Williams.

“Look, I don’t think digging for a story out of me on this is a good idea,” Scott said. “I had Steve issue an apology. What more should I do? I don’t know if you were there in the evening.”

The reporter shook his head.

“So I don’t think you have a leg to stand on when it comes to commenting,” Scott added.

SHANGHAI - The Associated Press