Tiger's Caddie Break Silence, Shatters Trust?

By A. Scott Walton
Would Tiger Woods be better off ditching his long-time caddie, Steve Williams, before resuming his career?
For nearly a dozen years, they've forged the most successful on-course partnership in golf history; enriching them both beyond limits the PGA ever envisioned.
But how well do Woods and Williams really know each other? And how likely is it that Tiger reform notorious ways if the confidante his game relies on most claims that they're virtual strangers, and reportedly holds a grudge about the exposed marital infidelities?
The fiery New Zealander who's rarely been known to hold his tongue when it comes to advising and defending Woods' in the course of their 11-year relationship has just made the reckless move of telling a TV station that he's "mad" about the controversy Tiger's stirred up and that, as he's concerned, the world's greatest golfer was leading a double-life.
This from a guy who's gotten rich and famous toting Tiger's bag all these years? Is this really who's got Tiger's back when he returns to play?
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GANG GREEN: The only player who belongs in the same sentence with Woods in any "all-time greatest golfer" context joins a growing number of pundits who feel certain that Tiger will compete at this year's Masters. Jack Nicklaus, who has 18 Major tourney titles to Tiger's 14, told media assembled for this week's Honda Classic that Woods will eventually 'figure out' his ordeal.
PARTING SHOT: If you haven't already discovered the new web site developed by the man who established himself as the "golf gear guru" for The Golf Channel, point your mouse toward Adam Barr's new channel pronto. It's packed with insider information about equipment, courses and the players who truly have "karma issues" right now.

Tiger At Bethpage Black: A Sucker's Bet?

Five bucks will get you two if you bet on the latest, repeat Memorial Tournament champion, Tiger Woods, to win the 2009 U.S. Open.
Those are the odds in Woods' favor of winning according to VegasInsider.com. If you're a gambler, you can take Tiger or the field at 5-to-2, or take a flying leap on Phil Mickelson, who was a 7-to-1 underdog to win at the storied New York public course, Bethpage Black.

The oddsmakers give Padraig Harrington, Geoff Ogilvy and Jim Furyk equally distant chances (15-1) of winning the U.S. Open. As for the rest of the players? Major longshots.

In your mind, does Mickelson have a chance of giving Woods a run for the money? Who do you suppose will melt down first in this, the second opportunity of the year to snag a Major tournament win?