Crowds will respect returning Tiger Woods, claims caddie

Tiger Woods' caddie Steve Williams does not expect the Augusta crowds to be anything other than respectful to the world number one when he returns to action at the Masters next week.

Woods will be making his first comeback appearance since his much-publicised extra-marital activities led the 34-year-old to take an extended break from the game.

New Zealander Williams will be carrying the bag at the Masters for the 25th time, and he is confident the tournament will be bereft of hecklers given its controlled environment.

Williams told TVNZ: "I don't think (Woods) knows what to expect either. Just like me, he will be anxious to get on that first tee on Thursday and see what the reaction is.

"The people who are going to watch at Augusta are called patrons there, not spectators. They are all golf fans and it is a very difficult tournament to get into.

"It is the only golf tournament in the world where there is a waiting list to get in. I think they will be very happy to see Tiger playing at Augusta, where he has been successful.

"I don't really expect any of those people to have any problems."

Williams has always maintained he knew nothing of Woods' extra-marital activities and the golfing superstar confirmed that last week.

In his first TV interview since the scandal broke, Woods stressed that those close to him, including his caddie, knew nothing of his double life.