31 Mar 2010

Augusta patrons too classy to barrack Woods, says caddie

6:27 am on 31 March 2010

Tiger Woods's caddie says golf's world number one will be judged by his golf rather than taunted for his extra-marital affairs when he returns to action at next week's U.S. Masters.

New Zealander Steve Williams says the crowd at Augusta National would be too respectful to

barrack Woods who has admitted he was nervous about the reception he would receive after his four-month break from the game.

Williams told TVNZ the Augusta national club is hard to get into so the people there are genuine golf fans.

He says it's the the only golf tournament in the world there is waiting list to get in to and where spectators are called patrons.

Williams, hired in 1999 by Woods who has since won 13 of his 14 major titles, says the big challenge for his boss is simply concentrating on his game.

Woods, 34, has not played this year following revelations that he had a string of affairs.

The world number one, a four-time Masters champion, has said he is undergoing therapy for sex addiction.