Tiger Woods has spoken out about the racism claims surrounding his former caddy Steve Williams by insisting that the New Zealander is "certainly not a racist".

The former world number one's ex-employee made a racist comment when speaking about Woods in Shanghai last week.

Despite reports claiming that the two would be kept apart during the Australian Open this week, the American pro has attempted to draw a line under the controversy.

"Steve is certainly not a racist, there's no doubt about that," said Woods. "It was a comment that shouldn't have been made and certainly one he wishes he didn't make.

"We met face to face and we talked it through. Obviously it was the wrong thing to say. That's something that we both acknowledge now.

"We'll move forward. He did apologise. It was hurtful but life moves forward. It's one of those things. We'll see what time does."

Williams's current employer Adam Scott came to his caddy's defence after the remarks.