Tiger Woods has his eyes on golf, not ex-caddie

The former world No 1 admitted he was surprised by Williams, his caddie for 13 of his 14 major victories, saying last week was "the best win I've ever had".

When asked if he and the New Zealander had been in touch since Woods stated: "I think that's between Stevie and myself."

There was a photo taken of Woods's agent Mark Steinberg speaking with Williams, but there was no way Woods was going to divulge what was said there. Asked if he regretted the way the situation unfolded he stated: "All I can control is my life and how I feel. That's it - that's all I can do."

Woods, thought to be unhappy about Williams going to work for Scott, added that he sent Williams a "nice text" of congratulation on Sunday evening, but that is presumed to have happened before he was aware of the interviews the caddie gave. Asked what his definition of loyalty was, he replied: "Obviously it's trust earned over time."

And on whether Williams was therefore guilty of disloyalty Woods answered: "I'm not going to speculate on Steve. Those are obviously his feelings and his emotions and his decision to say what he wants to say."

Woods, 37th at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational in his first event back from knee and Achilles tendon injuries, will need to do considerably better than that this week if he is to qualify for the PGA Tour's FedEx Cup play-offs. He currently lies 129th on the points list and, based on last year, he would have to finish in the top 14 at Atlanta Athletic Club on Sunday to climb into the top 125.

Woods is not the only big name currently outside a play-off spot. Ernie Els is 126th, Padraig Harrington 130th, Paul Casey 147th. Four-time PGA champion Woods, who missed the US Open and Open, commented: "I can feel the rush of a major championship again. I can just feel the atmosphere - it's just different.

"I was frustrated earlier in the year, especially at The Masters, because I just wasn't feeling well, but now that I'm healthy I have way more energy because I'm not trying to block out pain. I can just go out there and play golf."

How well remains the issue. There were patches of really good stuff in Akron, but then some really poor shots, too. He says his realistic expectation for the week is still to win, but one suspects he will keep saying that no matter how long his world ranking, currently 30th, goes on tumbling. Williams, meanwhile, again apologised for the comments he made in Akron which led to him being accused of stealing the limelight from Scott, saying his emotions got the better of him.In a statement, Williams apologised for failing to acknowledge Scott's performance in a television interview, but there was no mention of Woods and a reiteration of the jibe that his win on Sunday was the "most special" of his career.

A number of critics, including some players, had questioned whether Williams had taken away from Scott's victory by breaking the unwritten code on caddies not talking to the media and by failing to mention the Australian's performance.

"There has been considerable debate following the comments I made at the conclusion of Sunday's Bridgestone Invitational," Williams said in a statement on his website.

"It was a complete surprise to have CBS announcer David Feherty ask for an interview following the completion of play. My emotions following Adam's victory were running very high and at the time I felt like my emotions poured out and got the better of me. I apologise to my fellow caddies and professionals for failing to mention Adam's outstanding performance.

"I would like to thank all those fans at Firestone who made this victory the most special of my career," added Williams.

In terms of the world rankings, meanwhile, the leading member of the stable is still Lee Westwood - and he, of course, is still chasing his first major. The course, lengthened and toughened up considerably since David Toms set the lowest total in major history ten years ago, should suit him, too.

Westwood would also regain the world No?1 spot from Luke Donald if he wins and his fellow Englishman is outside the top ten. Either of them winning would establish a new record of seven successive first-time major champions, while six majors in a row already without an American winner has not happened since The Masters began in 1934.

Woods's goal is to change that, of course, but his 37th in Akron was hardly blasting a warning ahead of a championship which has two Scots in the field - Stephen Gallacher and Martin Laird, who finished in a tie for 11th in Akron.