Steve Williams is one of the most acclaimed caddies in professional golf, having worked with some of the world’s top players over his decades-long career. But beyond carrying bags and offering advice, Williams is also admired for his philanthropy.
Read on to learn all about Steve Williams’s caddie net worth, career, and personal life.
Quick Facts
| Birth Date | November 29, 1963 (60 years old) |
| Home Country | New Zealand |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (172 cm) |
| Weight | 76 kg or 167 lbs |
| Hair Color | Grey |
| Eye Color | Grey |
| Net Worth | $20 million |
| Associated With | Raymond FloydTiger WoodsAdam ScottJason Day |
Early Life and Background
Williams was born on November 29, 1963, in Wellington, New Zealand. Now 60 years old, he still resides in his home country with his wife Kristy.
Even as a young child, Williams was drawn to golf and began caddying at local courses from the age of 6.
By 10 years old, he was already dedicating his weekends to caddying at a local golf club.
Though some doubted his career choice, Williams knew his passion was carrying bags across manicured greens rather than competing on them.
In his mid-teens, Williams spent holidays gaining more caddying experience in Australia.
By 16 years old, he decided to leave secondary school and traveled to Europe to work full-time on the European Tour.
This early dedication and sacrifice laid the foundation for his future success.
Career As a Golf Caddie
Williams landed his first major caddying job in the early 1980s with Australian golfer Ian Baker-Finch while still a teenager. He then worked with legends like Greg Norman and Raymond Floyd over the next decade.
His big break came in 1999 when Williams was hired by a rising talent named Tiger Woods. He would serve as Woods’ caddie with incredible success for over 12 years until 2011, carrying his bag through 13 major championship victories.
As Woods accumulated wins, so did Williams. He earned 15% commissions from Tiger’s substantial tournament winnings, which likely netted him over $12 million during their fruitful partnership—an almost unheard-of income for caddies.
Tiger also reportedly gave Steve 10 vehicles that he won at tournaments, including the $140,000 Ford GT he received for winning at Doral in 2005.
After parting ways with Woods in 2011, Williams continued as a caddie for elite players like Adam Scott, Danielle Kang, and most recently Jason Day. His expertise and experience are valued by golfers worldwide.
Reputation and Influence on Golf
As he has carried bags and offered counsel to golf royalty like Tiger Woods, Greg Norman, and Ray Floyd across five different decades, Steve Williams has developed a sterling reputation as one of golf’s most famous and influential caddies.
He has been witness to some of the most iconic moments and star players in golf history from his vantage point by their side.
Through both Williams’ visibility on telecasts but also more privately behind the scenes, he has elevated the role of caddies as integral members of a golfer’s team worthy of respect.
No longer viewed just as the help, shouldering weight across 18 holes, Williams and his contemporaries have popularized caddies as strategic guides. His service and stature have encouraged others to pursue careers carrying bags for the sport’s best with pride.
Golfers across all playing levels aim to emulate Williams’ renowned work ethic in pursuit of greatness, while young aspiring professional caddies study his path to financial security and fulfillment.
Never seeking the spotlight himself, Williams’ selfless dedication to golf has rightfully earned him appreciation as a treasured contributor helping generations pursue their championship dreams.
Net Worth and Earnings
With nearly 40 years in the caddying business, Steve Williams has amassed a large net worth estimated at $20 million. The vast majority comes from his salaries, bonuses, and percentages earned from player winnings.
His 12-year tenure with Tiger Woods was his most lucrative financial period, as Woods won over 50 tournaments during that span. Williams’ percentage commissions likely exceeded his base caddying salary during this phenomenal run.
Williams enjoys a lavish lifestyle thanks to his wealth, though he tends to keep a low profile outside golf. Longevity and fortunate connections have been the key to his career success.
Personal Life
Williams married his wife Kristy in 1993, and they share residences in both New Zealand and the United States. The couple has no children together as far as we know.
Despite his fame within golf circles earning him the nickname “Stevie,” Williams doesn’t have any public social media profiles or seek attention. Little is known about his personal life away from the course.
Philanthropy
Generous with both his time and money, Williams founded a charitable organization supporting junior golf in New Zealand back in 2001 called the Steve Williams Foundation.
In 2008, he made headlines with a donation of $1 million to the Starship Children’s Hospital cancer ward. This extraordinary gift led to Williams being appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to youth and recreation.
Lesser Known Facts and Trivia
- Williams first caught the eye of golf star Peter Thomson back in 1976 as a 12-year-old local kid with raw caddying talent. This early opportunity kickstarted his globe-trotting career.
- Williams cuts an imposing figure on the course, with distinctive grey hair and a lean, athletic build, standing at 5 feet 8 inches tall and 167 pounds. His steely gaze is intimidating yet revered.
Wrap-Up
The name Steve Williams has become synonymous with professional caddies over 40 years, cementing his legacy as one of the most successful and famous in the sport’s history.
His estimated career earnings exceed $20 million from nearly 40 years carrying bags, offering advice, and receiving percentages of winnings.
Luckily, Williams has shared his good fortune with those in need through generous philanthropic initiatives. All signs point to more prosperity and charity on the horizon for Steve Williams.
