Tiger Woods' caddie, Steve Williams, verbalized his dislike for Phil Mickelson in recent interviews, Britain's The Guardian, New Zealand's Star Times and ESPN reported.

"I wouldn't call Mickelson a great player, 'cause I hate (expletive)," Williams said during an event in New Zealand, according to The Guardian.

The caddie later repeated his dislike of Mickelson to the Star Times.

"I don't particularly like the guy. He pays me no respect at all and hence I don't pay him any respect. It's no secret we don't get along, either," Williams told the New Zealand newspaper.

Upon learning of Williams' comments, Mickelson issued a statement.

"After seeing Steve Williams' comments all I could think of was how lucky I am to have a class act like Bones on my bag and representing me," Mickelson said, referring to his caddie, Jim "Bones" MacKay.

Williams told the New Zealand paper he didn't expect his initial comments about Mickelson to go public. According to the Star Times, Williams said he was at a charity event when he made the comments after someone asked him if Woods and Mickelson get along. Williams said he "was simply honest."

Woods has not commented on the reports.

The world's top golfer and Mickelson have endured a rocky relationship throughout their careers. According to ESPN, in 2003 Mickelson insulted Woods' equipment, calling it "inferior." But, according to the sports network, Woods later called Mickelson and cleared the air and the two have recently been trying to better their relationship.