Kiwi caddie Steve Williams' future on the golf greens is up in the air after he made a shocking slur against former employer Tiger Woods.
Williams had guests gasping at an awards ceremony in Shanghai with a racist remark aimed at Woods.
He was called on to the stage to talk about his reaction following Adam Scott's win so soon after being fired by Woods
"My aim at Akron was to shove it right up that black a**hole," said Williams, before leaving the function without making further comment.
An unnamed caddie who was at the event told the Daily Mail: "Never have you been in a room and seen so many jaws drop at the same time. We knew he was an idiot but we didn't know he was a racist idiot. I was standing next to a European Tour official who said, Thank God he is not on our tour."
The 100 caddies, players and media in attendance had accepted their invitations on condition they would not disclose what happened at the private function held after the second round of the WGC-HSBC Champions tournament.
But after Williams' ghastly remarks, some guests weren't able to keep silent and spilled the beans.
Williams has apologised for the comments he made at the function, with a statement on his official website.
"I apologize for comments I made last night at the Annual Caddy Awards dinner in Shanghai. Players and caddies look forward to this evening all year and the spirit is always joking and fun. I now realize how my comments could be construed as racist. However I assure you that was not my intent. I sincerely apologize to Tiger and anyone else I have offended," Williams said.
Calls to quit
Radio Sport listeners responded sharply, with many calling for the 47-year-old to either be thrown off the US PGA Tour or quit.
Sports commentator Brendan Telfer said Williams' latest slip-up could be lethal.
"This could well be a career-ending move for Steve it's that serious," Telfer said.
Telfer accepted that the event was intended to be 'in-house' but said Williams should have been more aware of who he was speaking to.
"Even if he felt it was a private function and it was off the record he must have had a look around and seen who was in the audience (media)."
Apparently Williams was not going to attend the ceremony, but was talked into it by Scott, who may now have no option but to sack him. Williams could also be looking at a ban.
Williams was sacked by Woods in July and hit the headlines the following month with controversial comments following his new employer Adam Scott's win at the WGC Bridgestone Invitational at Akron, Ohio.
In August, Williams apologised after describing Australian Scott's victory in Akron, Ohio as the most satisfying of his career, despite having previously won 13 majors in tandem with Woods.
"It's the most satisfying win I've ever had, there's no two ways about it," Williams had told reporters. "It's the greatest week of my life caddying and I sincerely mean that."
Williams is carrying Scott's bags at round three of the HSBC Champions tournament this afternoon.
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