"A couple hours out still” - Adam Scott's caddie Steve Williams arrives late at Genesis Invitational due to cyclone

Adam Scott had to wait for his caddie Steve Williams at the Genesis Invitational due to tough weather conditions. Williams resides in Auckland, New Zealand. His flight had to face a delay in schedule due to Cyclone Gabrielle that hit the North Island of New Zealand.

When asked about Williams' whereabouts in the Genesis Invitational pre-tournament press conference, Scott said:

“Not yet. A couple hours out still.”

About 75 percent of the country’s 5 million residents live on the North Island, where they are currently facing their second major storm within two weeks. Last month's unprecedented rainfall resulted in flash floods in Auckland, causing the loss of four lives.

Nearly 600 flights were affected by the cyclone, including the flight that Williams was supposed to board. A rare state of emergency was declared by New Zealand Government officials. L.A.B. Putters' Head of Operations Liam Bedor acted as a fill-in caddie for Scott during Wednesday's Pro-Am.

Steve Williams is a veteran caddie, having caddied 13 Major victories for Tiger Woods. He later worked with Scott from 2011 to 2017, which included his ascent to the No. 1 position and the 2013 Masters triumph.

As per Scott, both of them remained friends after parting ways and had discussed the possibility of reuniting at the end of last season. Since joining hands again, they have featured in two events in Australia in December.

“We slipped back into the rhythm really quickly and we had a good couple weeks and I expect that to happen out here as well. Having him come out fresh at this point," Scott said.

He added that he was pleased to get another opportunity to work together.

Scott’s strategy is to have both Williams and Greg Hearmon as caddies, sharing the workload.

“[Williams is] a pretty intense guy," Scott said. "Whether he was working for me or working for any other pro, whether he’s competing at driving his race car or whether he’s raking the leaves off his lawn at home, he’s an intense character once he gets his mind on something. There’s no changing that personality. He’s out here to achieve. I think that can be a really good influence on me.”

Scott added that he has set up a three-year window to win at least one more Major and no caddie has been as successful in the Majors as Williams.

Scott was last seen competing at the Sony Hawaiian Open in January, where he finished tied for 29th. Scott has had success at the Genesis Invitational twice, in 2020 and 2005. He finished last year in T-4 place.

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Steve Williams profile

Steve Williams carried Adam Scott's bag during his 2013 Masters victory

Steve Williams hails from New Zealand, and has worked as a caddie for numerous professional golfers, but is most recognized for serving as Tiger Woods' caddie from 1999 to 2011.

At the age of six, Steve Williams started his career as a caddie, and by age 13, he had developed a greater fondness for caddying than playing golf. During his time with Tiger Woods, the ace golfer enjoyed most of his time as the World No. 1 golfer. From 1982 to 1989, Williams served as a caddie for Greg Norman, after which he teamed up with Raymond Floyd until 1999.