Fired caddie Steve Williams says he wasted two years of his life standing by his boss -- the injury- and scandal-plagued Tiger Woods.

After a 12-year partnership, Woods told Williams two weeks ago he was fired.

"I was somewhat in a state of shock, but I just listened to what he thought," the caddie told the New Zealand Herald Thursday.

"I didn't agree with what he was telling me, but at the end of the day that wasn't going to make a difference so I just took it on the chin."

Williams said he was "extremely disappointed" at being axed.

"When Tiger went through the Tiger scandal, as it's known, I was obviously very disappointed in him, as everyone was," Williams said, referring to revelations that surfaced in November 2009 of Woods' affairs with numerous women.

"Obviously I lost a tremendous amount of respect for him ... and I told him that he had to earn back my respect. Whatever respect he may have earned back, he has just lost."

During the past 20 months Woods has changed swing coaches, lost four major sponsors and been divorced by his wife.

"Realistically I could look back, and I've wasted the last two years of my life because he has played infrequently, he has been injured and played poorly," Williams said. "I was prepared to hang in there through thick and thin, so I find the timing extraordinary."

Woods has not won a tournament since 2009.

"To be let go after staying incredibly loyal during the most difficult time in his life and then for him to decide that he needs a change, I think that the timing has been very poor," Williams told the New Zealand newspaper.

Woods and Williams were together for 250 tournaments, winning 72, including 13 majors.

The developed a friendship so strong they attended each other's wedding.

Williams said his friendship with Woods had become strained. They have not spoken since he was fired.

Williams is now working for Australian golfer Adam Scott.