Tiger’s axed caddie revels in Scott win
But as Rory McIlroy gave his US PGA chances a boost with a 67 to grab a share of sixth on 10 under, Scott’s caddie Steve Williams did not miss the opportunity to dig the knife into ex-boss Tiger Woods, who struggled to a share of 37th place after a 70.
“This was the most satisfying win of my career,” said New Zealander Williams of his 145th victory and his first since being sacked by Woods last month after 12 years and 13 Major wins together. “A lot has been said this week. I’ve always backed myself and it feels great to back it up. This is the best week of my career so far.”
Scott, 31, was one clear of Japan’s Ryo Ishikawa and compatriot Jason Day with a round to play but after remaining just one clear after birdies at the second and 10th, he chipped in at the 12th and birdied the 14th from 27 feet to take a stranglehold on the lead.
Fowler and Donald both closed with 66s to set the target at 13 under but Scott, who was three clear playing the 18th, hit a brilliant approach to five feet and drained the putt to clinch his 19th career win in wire-to-wire fashion and clinch his return to the world’s top 10.
It was also a hugely positive week for McIlroy who has struggled since his US Open win six weeks ago, finishing 25th in the British Open and 34th in last week’s Irish Open in Killarney.
“It’s been a very productive week,” McIlroy said after firing four birdies and just one bogey. “To shoot four rounds in the 60s and have a good a weekend is a lot of positives going into next week.”
Williams later denied that Woods had sacked him face to face, insisting he got the news over the phone before his ex-boss gave him reasons for their split in at last month’s AT&T National, which Woods hosts.
The former world number one now faces a race against time to be ready for this week’s US PGA and while he birdied three of his last four holes yesterday, he hit just five fairways in a roller coaster round.
Dead last in the field for driving accuracy, Woods said: “I had it in spurts this week. I hit it really well and then I’d lose it and get it back. Today was a good example of that.”
Asked if he’d like another event before playing a Major, Woods said: “It would be nice, but hey, I’ve got three days, so I’m going to worry about these three days and apply it accordingly and be ready come Thursday.”
McIlroy apart, it was a disappointing week for the Irish contingent with Pádraig Harrington the next best in joint 59th after a closing 72.
And while he’s hoping to join forces with top coach Pete Cowen after consulting him on Saturday, he knows he must wait until after the US PGA and rely on his timing and his mental strength to help him contend in Atlanta.
“The only way I am going to win the US PGA is with my mental game,” he said. “That’s where I will be focusing.”
Graeme McDowell closed his disappointing week with a one-over 71 that left him in 65th place on nine over and Darren Clarke ended a disappointing few days with a round of 72 to finish in 68th place on 12 over.
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