While not condoning his remarks, Greg Norman says his former caddy Steve Williams is not a racist.

The double British Open winning Norman was responding to the outcry after Williams’ remark at a caddy awards presentation during the course of last week’s WGC – HSBC Champions event in Shanghai.

Williams was presented with a tongue-in-cheek ‘Celebration of the Year’ award following his reaction to winning last August’s WGC – Bridgestone Invitational in Ohio with new player, Adam Scott.

In accepting the award, Williams was quizzed by the MC, Andrew Cotter, why he had reacted in the manner he did following Scott’s victory.

Williams said:   “Because I wanted to shove it up his black arsehole”.

The remark was in reference to Woods with whom Williams had caddied for 13 of Woods’ 14 Major victories.

The New Zealand born Williams used to caddy for Norman in the mid-80s before moving to caddy for Raymond Floyd and eventually Woods.

Greg Norman says Steve Williams is no racist. (Picture - www.golfbytourmiss.com)

Norman is in Sydney for this week’s Emirates Australian Open ahead of leading the International Team into competition against the Fred Couples led USA team next week at the Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne.

And no sooner had Norman, a five-time former Australian Open champion settled into his chair, when he was asked about Williams’ remarks.

“Steve is not a racist,” said Norman.

“We’ve all made stupid comments at stupid times.  Unfortunately his stupid comment became global news.  I know he probably regrets saying it but I guarantee you in that room on that night there was probably some heavier things said.

“I hope it gets resolved because golf doesn’t need it. 

“Golf needs Tiger back playing great golf like he used to.  Golf needs the cohesiveness that’s always existed. 

“There’s always been underlying currents, not everybody loves everybody and the people who dislike each other; we just have a tendency of parting our ways and not seeing each other. 

“But to have it play out like it’s played out has been a bit sad for the game of golf.”

Norman was then asked if golf has a problem with racisism.

“No, not at all; never seen it; never seen it at all,” said Norman.

And while Scott later issued a statement saying he has accepted William’s apology, Norman believes the incident should not affect the Australian.

“It won’t affect him as Adam’s a professional,” said Norman. 

“Whatever Steve said is Steve’s opinion, it’s not Adam’s opinion.  Steve obviously does a great job for Adam because Adam’s played extremely well since Steve has been on his bag.  He recognises the component of the abilities of Steve in Adam as well. 

“So I don’t see it playing out at all.”