Adam Scott and Tiger WoodsPhelan M. Ebenhack
There was speculation that Tiger Woods might be paired with Adam Scott and his controversial caddie Steve Williams this week at the Australian Open in Sydney, but tournament officials claim it's not going to happen.
In fact, they have devised a plan to keep Woods and Williams from seeing each other at all, if possible, according to the Sydney Daily Telegraph.
"No chance," tournament directory Tony Roosenburg said of a possible Woods-Scott pairing. "But it has nothing to do with the incident that was spoken about over the weekend. It was never going to happen anyway."
Williams, who unceremoniously was dumped as Woods' caddie in July after 13 years on the job, has gotten in some jabs at his former boss since, but none more controversial than his comment last week.
Speaking at an annual caddies dinner in Shanghai, Williams said he wanted "to shove it right up that black (expletive)" after Scott won the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational in August.
Even though Williams has apologized, the controversy rages on.
Officials of the Australian Open already had a plan in place to entice Woods, who is Australia to play in the Presidents Cup next week, to make this more than a one-time appearance.
Woods has not played in the Australian Open since 1996, when he tied for fifth after shooting 79 in the first round.
"We've only got six days but we want to ensure Tiger has the best time possible in Sydney," Roosenburg said. "We want to give him an unforgettable stay, show him the city's attractions and leave him wanting to come back."
Keeping him away from Williams seems to have become part of the plan.