More than 10 years ago, Tiger Woods was mulling a career change that could've transformed him into the unquestioned greatest golfer ever -- one way or another.
Steve Williams, Tiger Woods' caddie during 13 of his 14 major victories, has received ample criticism for saying he felt like "a slave" at times during his association with the former No. 1 player in the world.
Steve Williams' Compensation Doesn't Justify Tiger Woods' Treatment Of Him
But Williams also gave his audience some other nuggets that had not previously been reported, Golf.com indicated.
One such nugget was Woods' comments following his tie for 17th place at the 2004 U.S. Open, in which he finished 14 shots behind winner Retief Goosen.
Steve Williams Said Tiger Woods Treated Him Like 'Slave' At Times, Hung Him Out To Dry
A comment Williams attributed to Tiger made it seem as though Woods needed a break from the game those 11 years ago.
In the car ride after 2004 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, Woods told Williams: "Stevie, I think I've had enough of golf. I'd really like to try to be a Navy SEAL."
Woods had won eight of his 14 majors at the time, and Williams believes if Woods had taken a break from the game -- similar to the one Michael Jordan took from the Bulls to play baseball and return to win three more titles -- Woods not only could've returned hungrier for the game but also may have avoided the controversy that befell him in 2009.
"Perversely, in hindsight, I think if he could have taken a sabbatical from golf and undergone the 30-month Navy SEAL training course it would been better for him in the long run. He might have returned to golf reinvigorated, mentally refreshed and hungry. And he might have got something out of his system and prevented his humiliating fall from grace five years later."
Had Tiger quit and not come back, he would've been the flash-in-the-pan greatest player ever -- the one that would've broken all the records had he not given up the game.
Though Woods returned to No. 1 in the world in 2013, he has not added to his majors victory total since news of his infidelity six years ago this month and subsequent divorce from Elin Nordegren.
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