LONDON • Tiger Woods' former caddie Steve Williams has cast doubt on the former world No. 1's chances of winning another Major and suggested the injuries the golfer has suffered in recent years might be self-inflicted.

"I don't doubt he will come back to the winners' circle. He is a great competitor and he has an incredible work ethic. One thing he does know how to do is win," said Williams.

"But whether he comes back and wins Majors? That's going to be a very difficult task."

Some may suggest those comments are sour grapes on Williams' part, given his relationship with Woods broke down in 2011 after having helped the golfer win 13 of his 14 Major titles.

Since the last of those, 2008's US Open at Torrey Pines, Woods has suffered much-publicised personal problems and has fallen to 467 in the world rankings while recovering from a spell out following back surgery last autumn.

"I guess when he looks back, he might question some of the activities that he did, some of the gym work that he might have done that, you know, had all these injuries escalate," said Williams, who now caddies for the Australian world No. 6 Adam Scott.

"It is very hard to pinpoint how he has got to where he is now but I'd have to say there is a lot of merit in Woods' injuries being caused by him training as an athlete rather than a golfer."

Speaking about Scott's chances of adding to his 2013 Masters win at this year's tournament, which begins on April 4, Williams, a New Zealander, said: "Caddying for Adam has been like a breath of fresh air for me. I'm really looking forward to seeing if he can win one more.

"I always say to Adam, 'Many players win one Major and that's great but to be recognised as one of the top players in the game, you want to have multiple Majors beside your name.'"

THE GUARDIAN