Out of the Rough: Inside the Ropes with the World's Greatest Golfers

by Steve Williams

    With 150 wins to his name, Steve Williams is one of the most successful caddies of the modern era. From his modest start in freelancing his way around the world’s golf courses, he became a man in demand, working with some of the golfing world’s best. Greg Norman, Raymond Floyd, Terry Gale, Ian Baker-Finch, and Adam Scott all benefitted from the knowledge, experience, and honesty for which Williams is known.
    Williams is perhaps best known, however, for his triumphant thirteen years on the bag of Tiger Woods. Together, Woods and Williams won more than 80 tournaments—with 13 major championships among them.
    But it wasn’t all celebrations. Despite his best efforts, Williams could only watch as Woods fell from the podium, his game in decline—ignorant of the scandal about to make headlines around the world that would nearly ruin Tiger’s pro career.
    In this candid book, Williams tells the stories of golf’s elites that you won’t hear anywhere else—the highs and lows of their careers, and the critical role of a caddie in both spots.
    Bold and entertaining, his story offers a rare insider’s view of the professional golfing world.

Genres: Biography, Sports, Nonfiction, Memoir

272 pages, Hardcover

First published November 2, 2015

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author with this name in the Goodreads database.

One of the most successful caddies of the modern era, Steve Williams has worked with some of the golfing world's best, including Tiger Woods, Adam Scott, Greg Norman, Raymond Floyd and Ian Baker-Finch. Over a professional career spanning 36 years, Williams has amassed 150 wins, among them 13 major championships on the bag of Tiger Woods.

Away from the golf course, Williams has a strong association with motor racing, winning two New Zealand titles in 2005 and 2010. He continues to race saloon and super saloon cars.

In 2001, Williams and his wife, Kirsty, set up the Steve Williams Foundation. As well as assisting junior golf and motor racing throughout New Zealand, the foundation has a close relationship with Starship Hospital in Auckland, and a primary focus on children's health.

Reviews

[Archie Gothard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to read this book because I wanted to know what Steve Williams life was as a professional caddy. I've personally met Steve before and he is a very well spoken person, he shares his opinion and insights very well and that's why I decided to read this book.


A character I found interesting in this book was Tiger Woods. Steve was his caddy for a very long time and put in a lot of time and effort for Tigers success. As a caddy Steve has to give distances and sometimes gets asked for an opinion on a certain shot. Tiger sometimes didn't like Steves opinion, an example of this is on the final round of the masters in 2003, "I like driver here, I said, to this day I think driver was the only play." "Tiger bummed and Ahmed about it, preferring a more conservative approach,"he eventually decided to take driver and hit the worst shot imaginable." Pg 126. Later on in the round Tiger didn't speak to Steve and got the freeze treatment according to Steve, tiger didn't speak for the part of 2 hours.


My favourite quote from this book is "Jamie Hutton was a 17 year old suffering from leukaemia. His wish was to meet Greg Norman." This wish eventually came true for Jamie. Not only did his wish come true Greg Norman won the tournament and flew him back home on a charted plane that would fly him door to door. Greg dedicated the win to Jamie and gave him the tournament trophy to keep.


Something I learned about and thought more deeply about was that you should always give back to people or your community. Steve does this very well, he started up his own charity and constantly donating to Starship and other charities within New Zealand. It was Greg Norman who first made Steve aware that it was that it was possible to use fame to improve the lives of other people.

[Liam Ellis · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very interesting book. But I felt he spoke more of tiger than himself. However when you’re in the midst of the greatest period of golf it must be hard not to be all consumed.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

It doesn’t really matter if you don’t know your bogeys from your birdies, ‘Out of the Rough’ is a really entertaining (and actually, quite gripping) record of Steve William’s years as caddy to some of the big names in golf. In case you don’t know, Williams caddied for Tiger Woods, Greg Norman and Raymond Floyd, just to name a few. And right from an early age, Williams knew that he’d rather be a caddy than a golfer – he was forever cutting school to spend time on the local golf course. You might think that the caddy is just the person who carts around the golfer’s bag, (and when he was a youngster that’s just what Williams did) but actually there is much more to it than that. As he got to know the different courses, Williams was able to advise his player which club to use, which shot to play, how to play the shot, and moreover, he was able to ‘calculate the yardage’ and advise how long, short or wide to play the shot. So you see there is much more to caddying than meets the eye and actually the caddy plays a vital role on the professional golfing circuit.
In “Out of the Rough” Williams mainly talks about his time with Tiger Woods – he caddied for him for thirteen years through 80 tournaments, so it was a real friendship as well as a working relationship. A straight-talker, Williams gives his take on the players, the courses, the tournaments, and, in no uncertain terms, the end of his working relationship with Woods. Although I am not a huge fan of sports in general or golf in particular, I found this to be a thoroughly engrossing and enjoyable read….and there’s a really useful glossary of golfing terms in the back of the book.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this and more reviews on my blog.

I received a free copy of Out Of The Rough for my honest opinion. I would like to thank Penguin Book Australia for sending me a copy. I have meet Steve in a golf tournament in 2009 and he was extremely nice and it was really interesting reading this book.

Steve Williams has caddied for many great golfers, most famously for Tiger Woods for 13 years. Out Of The Rough is an account of how Williams became a caddie, as well as explaining his unique style of caddying and his experience as the best caddie ever (apart from my dad in my opinion).

If you think that Out Of The Rough is a tell-all book about Tigers life, then think again. Williams has respected Tigers privacy, but has given a insiders look into what Tiger Woods was like in his dominant years, and the years to follow.

As a golfer, i personally wanted to read more about Williams time as Greg Norman's and Adam Scott's caddie. Yes a huge proportion of Williams career was with Tiger, and that is what Williams is known for, but his early years as Norman's caddie defined him as a caddie.

Out Of The Rough has an handy glossary of golfing terms for any non-golfers who read it. I would defiantly recommend Out Of The Rough at all golfers, as well as anyone who is interested in sports.

[Nic Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid book, rings honest, more than about Tiger

Enjoyable book, easy well written and well organized. Steve appears to be quite honest in his accounts and gives his side of things, without trying to always put himself in the best light. Strong element of a kiwi out and about in the world type of story here, will also be of interest to golf / Tiger fans. The caddy perspective on pro golf is also quite interesting. I liked hearing this view of a lot of the events in careers of Greg Norman and Raymond Floyd, again from a caddy view point.

[Sharon Castillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

It was great that you let us have a look at what takes place inside the ropes. It was reaffirming to hear that with hard work you can accomplish your dreams. You started at the bottom and rose to the top of your profession and so can we with the right attitude and hard work. You also showed how arrogance and self-centered ness can destroy relationships and your life.
Thank you so much for sharing your life with us.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good read with some good insights on what made him one of the best caddies. He’s stays away from the Tiger Woods scandal mostly but does comment on how it affected him and ended up being the event that eventually led to them losing their friendship. Overall an enjoyable read. No tabloid stuff here which is good.

[Gonzaga Escauriaza · Rating 3 out of 5]

It reads very easy and he has lived very interesting experiences with the best golf players of the last decades.

He seems a straight up guy but he should have been more discreet and more respectful with his bosses.

Sometimes too cheeky but a real profesional. He has been a crucial part of the wins of the players he has worked for.

[Tracy Saunders · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a golf aficionado - I live on a golf course in New Zealand- I loved reading about the role a caddie plays - most caddies do not make the kind of money Steve Williams made - Tiger was extraordinary- but so was Steve. If you love the game this is an engaging read - not sure it would be a four star if you did not know the game.

[Eli Pollack · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy, breezy but (considering Williams was Tiger Woods' caddy) not at all sleazy.

Straight forward account of how he fell into caddying and, through determination, became one of the best caddies ever.

[Ruvelin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good insight into one of the best golfers ever

Well written, good insight and hard to put down. Best part is when Tiger tells his then Wife “we don’t celebrate second place” - shocking but mindset of a winner.

[Sheila Neckstad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now for the rest of the storyy

I have always wondered how Steve played such an important factor to a long success career as a caddie for Tiger Woods who had such a large ego with little respect for the people who made his career a succes

[Mr Alex Speirs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant in detail

Written in a manner and way that one almost feels as if they on the course at the same time.

[James Low · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good chit

Good insights. To the point.

Tiger is a machine. A dbag, yes, but a surgeon on the course. Donk lyphe

[Martin Braunton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting account of Williams' time caddying some of the world's best golfers. Fascinating insights into the conversations out on the course between player and caddy.

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written, good story. Steve Williams aspired to be a pro caddy from a young age. He caddied for 4 world #1 golfers from Greg Norman to Adam Scott over 4 decades. Great read for golf fans.

[Paul McCormack · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like so many autobiographies, I come out of it less keen on the topic that I go into it. Book not too bad though

[Gilles · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up

[Rick Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who's your caddy?

A great read and wonderful insights on being a caddy on tour. Great behind the curtain view of working with the best golfers.

[Mark Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

[Susan Becraft · Rating 3 out of 5]

A golf lover's book

I love the game of golf purely as a spectator. Having grown up with a father who played every chance he had and prided himself on his low handicap and marrying a man who could have turned professional if there were sponsors in his day (or came from a wealthy family), I developed an appreciation for the thinking man's or woman's game. Golf is a game in which the player has one opponent - him (her)self.

I was definitely in the minority when it came to Tiger Woods I was in awe of his talent, but I never liked him. Having met Earl Woods years ago, I was not surprised by Woods' bad behavior and unsportsmanlike conduct on the golf course. In my opinion, it was fostered by his father, an unlikable man from my experience. I was not remotely charitable.

Every story has two sides, but I thought Steve Williams was honest in his accounting of his years with Woods. A good caddy can make a player better. I think every professional golfer would agree with that sentiment. It is quite possible that Williams embellished his role in Woods' success, but the only person who knows the truth is Tiger himself. I find it unlikely that Woods would have retained him for so many years when he had his choice of caddies.

Having walked many great courses in the United States and Great Britain, I enjoyed reading about them from a golfer's perspective. My husband and I made an annual pilgrimage to Scotland each year, and he loved the challenge of the great links courses. Williams perfectly described the weather. Despite being dressed for it, I have never been so cold and so wet almost every day.

I enjoyed the book and recommend it to all who love golf.

I am a great believer in Schadenfreude, not a particular character trait in which to be proud, but part of me knew that Tiger Woods, the gold standard of golf, would eventually slip. And slip he did. Despite his disgusting behavior, many of his fans defended the indefensible.

[Mark Noonan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've never been a fan of Steve Williams but he has caddied for some of the greats of Golf, such as Greg norman, Raymond Floyd, and of course the infamous Tiger Woods. I have to admit that was part of the reason for reading this, and that was to get some inside info on Tiger.
Steve Williams of course talks about his time on the bag with Tiger, but respects his privacy and doesn't let out as much as I would have hoped for. That being said, you do get some insight as to what Tiger is like off the course. And just I had predicted, he's not a very nice guy to be around. But there are reasons for that which I didn't really understand until I read this book.
Steve Williams admits that he can be outspoken, and says what's on his mind. But that's part of the reason he's so good at his profession. He takes it very seriously and works very hard. I admire him for that.

[Chad Geese · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember 2011 when Steve gave the interview after the WGC event at Firestone and I thought to myself "for once the caddy has the upper hand." Obviously it wasn't a good move on his part but emotions sometimes take over the best of us. Anyone whom follows golf will find enjoyment in the book. I was amazed to find out he has 150 wins as a looper in his professional career! Most people will pick up this book to get a better understanding of the Tiger Woods fallout and there is plenty to offer in it's pages. You could see why Steve has a right to be bitter and fortunately for his sake and ours hes at the end of a career where he can go out guns a blazin'

[Ross Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

Steve Williams prides himself on 'telling it like it is'. This book is testament to the danger of allowing those self-proclaimed straight talkers to claim ownership of truth and allow ignorance to go unchecked. Trite, vindictive, and lacking in substance and insight. Out of The Rough is also notable as a missed opportunity: Williams was in a unique position alongside the world's greatest golfer at his peak, yet all we're told is the ways in which he read the yardage of the odd key pitch and guided the occasional critical putt. In other words, 'I did more than just lug the bag'. This is an understandable angle, but without subtlety and nuance the result is a protracted boast.

[John Crone · Rating 3 out of 5]

I expected much more from this book given that Williams has caddied for some of the games greats. Whilst I respect that he is maintaining the privacy of Tiger Woods I did want some more details of him both on and off the golf course. Worth a read if you are a die hard golf fan but don't expect a warts and all extract.

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it was better than the initial reviews I read, interesting insight into Greg Norman, Ray Floyd, and especially Tiger. He is a bit abrasive, but tells it like it is I guess. Would recommend for anyone who has interest in the tour.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great insight into the most highly profiled golf caddy to date.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. A look into the strategies and personalities of todays top golfers, and the incredible ability of Steve Williams as a world-known successful caddy. Very enjoyable !!!

[Randy · Rating 4 out of 5]

More than a caddy

Good to read about the rest of Stevie's life, before and after Tiger. I was hoping to find new stories of good things about Tiger. But there are none.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well done, Mr. Williams! Excellent peek at the PGA from the inside. Lots of insight here-seems like a very stand-up guy...
no errors.