The termination of Hughes Norton, Tiger Woods’ former agent, left him feeling deeply betrayed, as reported by golfmagic.com. Norton, the influential agent who played a pivotal role in shaping Woods’ career, recently unveiled the abrupt manner in which he was let go by the golf legend in 1998.
In an interview with the Daily Mail about his new book ‘Rainmaker‘, Norton, the Harvard Alum shed light on his long-standing association with Woods, narrating the sequence of events leading to their parting of ways. From their initial encounter when Woods was just 13 to handling lucrative deals that catapulted Woods to stardom, Norton had been instrumental in the golfer’s journey.
Despite his instrumental role in Woods’ success, Norton was blindsided by his dismissal after merely two years of professional collaboration. Describing the termination as a profound betrayal, Norton recalled the surreal moment when Woods, with an emotionless demeanor and “zombie-like” eyes, delivered the news.
Reflecting on Woods’ pattern of cutting ties, Norton revealed that he was not alone in experiencing Woods’ cold shoulder, highlighting a broader trend in the golfer’s relationships, including those with coaches, lawyers, and caddies.
Norton’s departure from Woods’ team ultimately led to his exit from IMG, underscoring the significance of their professional relationship. Over a decade later, Woods’ pattern of abrupt dismissals continued, notably with his longtime caddie Steve Williams.
Williams, who had been by Woods’ side for 13 major victories and considered him a close friend, was stunned by the ruthless manner in which he was let go. Recounting his experience during the ‘Tiger’ documentary, Williams expressed disbelief at the abrupt end to their relationship, emphasizing the emotional toll it took on him.
“When he fired me, I thought he was firing me as a golf caddie and not as a friend. Tiger was the best man at my wedding, I didn’t think we’d have no communication for the rest of our lives. That just didn’t even enter my mind. To this day I find that a hard pill to swallow. Someone you spend 13 years with, with all your time and all your effort, and the guy can’t even speak to you,” revealed Williams during the ‘Tiger’ documentary that aired on Sky Sports in asserting that the nature of his dismissal was cutthroat.
Despite the upheavals in Woods’ professional entourage, Mark Steinberg remains his steadfast agent, representing him since 1998.
