Book Review: Together We Roared by Steve Williams and Evin Priest
Book Review: Together We Roared by Steve Williams and Evin Priest
By Peter Thornton
Has there been an athlete in the history of sport who has lived in the spotlight more than Tiger Woods? The answer to that is probably not and that is why there is so much interest and intrigue in his story.
Together We Roared has its own point of difference. It’s a compelling and candid memoir from Steve Williams, regarded as one of the finest caddies in golf history.
It offers an insider’s view of Williams’ 12-year partnership with Woods — arguably the most iconic golfer of all time. It almost never happened.
Williams thought he was being prank called when Woods called to ask if he wanted to be his caddy. He hung up on Woods twice before he finally took the conversation for the defining role of his career.
Co-written with golf journalist Evin Priest, the book captures both the glory and grit behind one of the most successful duos in sport's history.
Reading this collection of stories from one of the signature eras in world golf makes you realise how fortunate we were to have a New Zealander at the heart of the action.
This account takes you inside the ropes. It’s an intimate portrayal of moments that only someone in Williams’ shoes could have witnessed: Tiger over-powering golf courses, his quiet determination and the fire that fuelled his legendary run between 1999 and 2008.
The detail will have golf fans engaged with every story. Williams himself was the great planner and note taker. He would meticulously prepare and plan for Woods' most important tournaments during this period and it’s that level of detail – along with Woods' once in a generation talent – that saw them become an unstoppable force.
Williams walks readers through the “Tiger Slam,” the unforgettable chip-in on Augusta’s 16th in 2005, and the remarkable 2008 US Open triumph on a broken leg — events that are all etched into golf history and will be talked about for years to come.
At crucial points in this historic major run, Williams played his part making decisive and important calls with the championship on the line.
He would personalise an important week for the pair by adding a soundtrack from one of his favourite songs – like The Feelers ‘As Good As It Gets’ or ‘Reckless’ by Australian Crawl – with lyrics to fit whatever Woods was going through or the challenge ahead.
Beyond the trophies and iconic shots, Together We Roared delves into the human side of their relationship — one forged in relentless pursuit of perfection but also tested by fame, personal challenges and a painful falling out.
Particularly touching are recollections of Tiger caddying at Steve’s wedding on the humble holes of the South Head Golf Club in Auckland and delivering a heartfelt best man speech — moments that contrast with the 12-year silence that followed their acrimonious split.
Williams has been all over the New Zealand media in the launch of this book reminiscing of his time in the greatest seat in the house but where Together We Roared is at its best is when it is shows emotional honesty.
Williams doesn’t shy away from reflecting on the highs and lows, the relentless pursuit of Jack Nicklaus’ major record of 18 titles and the personal cost of life at golf’s summit, like errant comments he made which made international headlines.
One of the biggest stories that circled Williams was whether he knew about Woods’ now infamous extramarital affairs and the caddy outlines the impact that saga had on him and his family.
He tells this story in an honest and reflective way which shows he has made peace with whatever transpired in their relationship.
Ultimately, Together We Roared is a moving tribute to a unique bond built on trust, intensity and a mutual respect. For golf fans, and anyone who watched the most extraordinary feats of Woods through his prime, it’s a must-read.
For everyone else, it’s an inspiring story of friendship, ambition, and redemption.