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BY JOSH FRYDMAN

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It's not every day a pro golfer changing caddies makes headline news--that is unless the golfer is Tiger Woods.

After 12 years together, 13 Majors and 72 wins worldwide, Tiger Woods fired caddie Steve Williams, stunning his close friend in the process.

Tiger made the announcement official Wednesday on his website.

"I want to express my deepest gratitude to Stevie for all his help, but I think it's time for a change. Stevie is an outstanding caddie and a friend and has been instrumental in many of my accomplishments. I wish him great success in the future."

Williams' response suggested the split was not so amicable.

"I'm extremely disappointed. Given the fact that the last 18 months has been a particularly difficult time for Tiger. The scandal, a new coach, swing change. The last 18 months has been very difficult. I've stuck by him through thick and thin. I've been incredibly loyal. And then, you know, and then to have this happen, I mean, I wasted two years of my life."

Woods first informed his long-time caddie they would no longer be working together on July 3 after the final round of the AT&T National. Williams said they agreed to keep quiet until after the British Open to not distract Adam Scott, who Williams has caddied for the last three tournaments while Tiger has been injured.

ESPN Golf Writer Bob Harig says caddie-player relationships don’t usually last as long as theirs did, but he doesn't understand why it came to an end now.

"I'm not sure what happened to be honest with you. I don't know if Tiger didn't like the fact that he was caddying for Adam Scott, even though he had asked for permission because it just seems curious. When he comes back he's going to want some stability because so much has changed, he's been working on his golf swing, he's been injured, and you'd think you'd want that constant, the guy that's been beside you all this time."

Woods and Williams' relationship went well beyond the golf course. The two became close friends, were in each other's weddings, and both got engaged while on a safari together in South Africa in 2003.

But despite their close bond, two writers for Golf Week suggest Tiger's decision to part ways wasn't all that surprising.

"The news appeared to be a shocker. But on closer examination, is it? After all, consider all that used to be in Woods’ world but is no longer – his wife, Elin; his swing coach, Hank Haney; his management company, IMG; his aura; his sponsors such as Gatorade, Gillette, Accenture, and Tag Heuer; and, oh, yeah: his incomparable victory parade."

Woods has not said when he plans to return to golf--or who his next caddie will be when he does.
 

Transcript by Newsy.