Tiger carpets caddie over Mickelson jibe

(CNN) -- Tiger Woods has rebuked his caddie Steve Williams over the New Zealander's disparaging remarks about Ryder Cup colleague Phil Mickelson.

The world number one said he was "disappointed" by the comments which Williams reportedly made at a charity event in New Zealand at the weekend.

"I was disappointed to read the comments attributed to Steve Williams about Phil Mickelson, a player that I respect," Woods said in a statement.

"It was inappropriate. The matter has been discussed and dealt with."

The Taranaki Daily News had quoted Williams as saying: "I wouldn't call Mickelson a great player 'cause I hate the p***k."

A day after his outspoken remarks at the charity event, Williams, 44, was unapologetic in an interview with the New Zealand-based Star-Times -- and confirmed the quote was accurate.

"I visit a lot of golf clubs and do a lot of speaking for charity and that is one of the questions I get asked the most: what is Tiger's relationship like with Phil Mickelson," he told the Star-Times.

"I was simply honest and said they don't get along. You know what it's like. You're at a charity event and you have a bit of fun."

Asked if he used the word "p***k", he said "yes" and added: "I don't particularly like the guy myself. 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."

Three-time major winner Mickelson has also been scathing of Williams, who has carried Woods' bag since 1999.

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

Williams and Woods have forged a close relationship off the course, with the American superstar attending his wedding in New Zealand in 2005 and watching him compete in motorsport events.

But Williams' controversial remarks have landed him in hot water with his employer, who is currently sidelined after undergoing knee surgery following his incredible U.S. Open victory in June.

Butch Harmon, the former coach of Woods, who now works for Mickelson was scathing about Williams.

"I can't believe he said what he said," Harmon told Press Association.

"Golf is a game of honor and integrity and that was a very uncalled-for remark and I don't think it's a reflection of how Tiger thinks of Phil Mickelson.

"Having worked with Tiger for 10 years, I can tell you he wouldn't have been very happy with that."

Woods is set to return to the course in the spring of next year after knee surgery, in time for the U.S. Masters in Augusta in April in search of a 15th grand slam victory.