Augusta 'too classy' to barrack Tiger

Tiger Woods' caddie Steve Williams believes he will be judged by his golf rather than taunted for his extra-marital affairs when he returns to action at next week's Masters.

The New Zealander said that the crowd at Augusta National would be too respectful to barrack Woods who has admitted he was nervous about the reception he would receive after his four-month break from the game.

"They (Augusta) are very specific with whoever they let in there, so they are genuine golf fans," said Williams.

"I don't really expect any of those people having any problems. I think they will be very happy to see Tiger playing at Augusta where he's been successful."

Woods, 34, has not played this year following revelations that he had a string of affairs. The world number one, a four-time Masters champion, has said he is undergoing therapy for sex addiction.

"The people that are going to watch Augusta, they call them patrons there not spectators. They are all golf fans and it is a very difficult tournament to get in," added Williams.

"It is the only golf tournament in the world there is a waiting list to get in to."

Williams, hired in 1999 by Woods who has since won 13 of his 14 major titles, said the big challenge for his boss was simply concentrating on his game.

"Just focus, I think that is going to be the big thing," he said. "Tiger hasn't played competitively in four months, hasn't played any warm-up tournaments going into a major championship.

"They (majors) are difficult tournaments at the best of the times so having not played a practice tournament or a pre-tournament, it is going to be difficult."