In a bit of rough

There’s class — and then there’s … well, shave off a couple of letters.
Tiger Woods has class. His caddie, Steve Williams? Ehhh … not so much.

Williams, who has a reputation for thuggish behavior and stupid remarks, reverted to form recently by calling Woods rival Phil Mickelson a word that rhymes with stick (no, it wasn’t trick).

At an event in New Zealand, Williams also told the press that Mickelson, after being heckled by a fan, fell apart on the 17th and 18th holes at this year’s United States Open at Torrey Pines.

Mickelson said that Williams’ account was an “absolute fabrication” and that the story was “grossly inaccurate and irresponsible.” And the facts back him up. Mickelson played with Woods in the first two rounds, but did not struggle on the last two holes in either round.

“I don’t particularly like the guy,” Williams was quoted as saying. “He pays me no respect at all and hence I don’t pay him any respect. It’s no secret we don’t get along either.”

Williams also indicated Woods and Mickelson are less than friends. “I was simply honest and said they don’t get along,” he was quoted as saying. “You know what it’s like. You’re at a charity event and you have a bit of fun.”

But Mickelson didn’t see the humor, and neither did Williams’ boss.

“I was disappointed to read the comments attributed to Steve Williams about Phil Mickelson, a player that I respect,” Woods said in a statement. “It was inappropriate. The matter has been discussed and dealt with.”

Woods might not like Mickelson, but he was raised too well to take pot shots at him in public — or to let his caddie do it.

It’s not in his nature, but Williams might want to tread carefully for a while. The last time a Woods’ caddie disappointed his boss, he quickly found himself seeking new employment.