Tiger Woods’ Former Caddie Joe Lacava Is Teaming Up With World’s No. 1 Player

Joe LaCava spent 12 years as Tiger Woods‘ caddie and closest confidant on the golf course.

LaCava, who replaced Steve Williams after his falling out with Woods, was on the bag for 11 wins with the big cat, including the 2019 edition of The Masters.

But with Woods’ career in limbo following a foot surgery in April, the two have since parted ways.

LaCava instead took the bag for 2021 Ryder Cup U.S. representative Patrick Cantlay earlier this month.

Tiger’s agent told ESPN that Joe LaCava first called Woods and asked for his blessing. His agent, Mark Steinberg, said:

“Joe called Tiger to ask him and get his approval. Of course, Tiger gave it. Tiger and Joe are like brothers, tremendous friends. You shouldn’t read anything more in to that other than Joe wants to caddie. He loves it. It’s his passion. He’s great at it and one of the best.”

Cantlay is the No. 4-ranked player in the world and many believe he’ll be the next player to win his first-career major.

But that’s not all for LaCava, because it appears he’s staying plenty busy.

Kyle Porter of CBS Sports reports that LaCava will be on the bag for women’s world No. 1 Nelly Korna this weekend at Upper Montclair Country Club for the Cognizant Founders Cup,

Korda is the favorite to win the event and has six top-10 finishes in seven starts in 2023.

Her full-time caddie, Jason McDede, is away following the birth of his child and Cantlay is not playing this weekend.

LaCava and Woods had a relationship that extended well beyond the golf course. And it was undoubtedly difficult for him to part ways with the 15-time major champion.

But it appears that whichever direction LaCava ends up going in the future, he’ll certainly have plenty of good options.