Adam Scott has parted from his high-profile caddie Steve Williams after three years as a team.
The pair released a statement in the United States confirming that they will not be working together in 2015. Williams has said for some time that he has been looking to move away from the grind of touring, but the split has come abruptly.
"Steve has been an integral part of my team in a period where I have fulfilled some of my lifetime golfing goals,'' Scott said. "His dedication and professionalism have been without question, and his friendship is highly valued. Our priorities and stages of life are different now, and so we decided that this is the best time to end our partnership.''
Williams wants to spend more time with his family. "After discussing this in detail with Adam it became evident that my plan was not going to fit with Adam's requirements and so we decided to end our partnership,'' the New Zealander said. "Having caddied for the first Australian to win the Masters is a career highlight and a memory I will cherish forever. If the right opportunity arose I would consider caddying on a part time basis in the future."
Scott surged to No. 1 in the world with Williams on his bag, winning his first major at Augusta National in 2013. The search for a new caddie will be part of a series of challenges for Australia's top-ranked player, who also must confront the anchoring ban for putters that comes into effect at the start of 2016.