Report: Jason Day parts with Steve Williams citing ‘disconnect of old school and new school’

Steve Williams, Jason Day
After just six starts together, Jason Day has parted ways with caddie Steve Williams. Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Former world No. 1 Jason Day has let go of caddie Steve Williams.

Evin Priest of the Australian AP was the first to report the news on Sunday evening.

According to Priest, Day made the decision after missing the cut in the PGA Tour Playoffs-opening Northern Trust on Friday.

The brief partnership between Day and Williams — regarded by many as the most successful caddie of all time — lasted just six events.

The pair first linked up at Pebble Beach for the U.S. Open and tied for 21st. A week later, things seemed headed in the right direction with a T8 at the Travelers. But, the next four events left plenty to be desired — a T66 at the 3M Open, followed by a missed cut at The Open Championship, then a T40 in the WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational (with just the top 64 in the world competing) and finally Friday’s missed cut in New Jersey.

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“Parting with Steve was a mutual decision and not an easy one to make,” Day told AAP on Sunday.

“He is the ultimate pro; it was a real learning experience being exposed to a caddie who has achieved what Steve has. He has worked with the best.”

The 55-year-old Williams began his caddie career in the 1970s. He caddied for Australian greats Peter Thomson and Greg Norman before an incredible run with Tiger Woods from 1999-2011, which saw Williams on the bag for 13 of Woods’ 15 overall major victories.

Williams also spent time with Adam Scott and was by his side when he became the first Aussie to win the Masters in 2013.

Day was hoping Williams and his wealth of experience could help him regain the form that once propelled him to the No. 1 world ranking, but — after just six starts — that wasn’t coming to fruition.

“It was a disconnect of old school and new school,” said Day.

“Steve has become a friend and I have a lot of respect for him. I thank Steve for everything he taught me.”

Day will enter this week’s BMW Championship at No. 50 in the FedEx standings. He’ll need to finish inside the top 30 to advance to the season-ending Tour Championship.

Priest reports that, for now, Day will hand the bag over to friend and fellow tour golfer David Lutterus.

COMMENTS

  1. Jason has so much talent, he will get back on track.I’ve been following him since his web.com days, always new he would do well on the PGA tour.His short game is phenomenal, and when he puts it all together he is hard to beat.Good Luck JD pulling for you!!

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