After a three-year partnership that resulted in Adam Scott becoming the first Australian-born winner of the Masters, the former World No. 1 and caddie Steve Williams have parted ways.

Scott made the announcement in a statement released Wednesday morning.

« Steve has been an integral part of my team in a period where I have fulfilled some of my lifetime golfing goals, » Scott said in a statement. « His dedication and professionalism have been without question, and his friendship is highly valued. Our priorities and stages of life are different now, and so we decided that this is the best time to end our partnership. »

Scott hired Williams in 2011 shortly after Tiger Woods fired Williams after winning 13 majors together.

Williams has said over the last year that he was going to cut back on his caddie responsibilities soon to move home to his native New Zealand to spend more time with his family.

PGATour.com’s Brian Wacker had this from Williams after Scott’s decision to cut ties:

« After discussing this in detail with Adam it became evident that my plan was not going to fit with Adam’s requirements and so we decided to end our partnership, » Williams said. « Having caddied for the first Australian to win the Masters is a career highlight and a memory I will cherish forever. If the right opportunity arose I would consider caddying on a part time basis in the future. »