Breaking Bad
On the highly peculiar relationship dynamic between a PGA golfer and his on-course manservant.
ESPN THE MAGAZINE / DEC 2011
Iron Man. Rabbit. Thirsty. Squeaky. Chico. Jelly. Tip. Golf Ball. Last Call. First Call. Due North. Eight Count. Gypsy. Wad. The Judge. The Growler. The Punk. Killer. Irish. Wheelbarrow. Ant Man. Bullet. Biggie. Chick. Squirt Gun. Munster. Asbestos. Skillet. Pepsi. Fluff. Bones ... Stevie.
"Stee-vee! Stee-vee! Stee-vee!"
"C'mon, Stee-vee!"
Nearly all pro caddies of a certain vintage have nicknames. But this one didn't, not a proper one anyway. So the fans lining the 18th fairway of the Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio, were chanting Steve Williams' real name as he marched to the greatest win of his life.
"Stee-vee! Stee-vee!"
Historians agree: It had never happened before. No chance. After who knows how many centuries of swatting balls around bleak seaside terrain for sport, this was the first time spectators at a tournament — in this case, the Bridgestone Invitational on Aug. 7 — were openly cheering a caddie. Everyone knew this was the story. The veteran beat writers. The photographers. Nick Faldo and Jim Nantz, the men announcing the event for CBS. And especially the fan in the gallery who shouted as Williams and his new boss, Adam Scott, approached….