Reportedly, Tiger Woods and caddie Joe LaCava have ended their professional partnership after working together since 2011. LaCava will now be joining Patrick Cantlay’s team, starting with this week’s Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow. LaCava was on the bag when Woods won his 15th major title at the 2019 Masters, but Woods’ most recent Augusta National appearance, where he withdrew during the third round, looks like it will be the last time LaCava caddies for him.
Woods is currently out of action after ankle surgery, and there is no estimated return date. LaCava asked for Woods’ approval before joining Cantlay, with Woods giving his blessing. Woods’ agent, Mark Steinberg, said that LaCava is passionate about caddying and is great at it, and that Woods and LaCava are still tremendous friends.
LaCava teams up with the World No.4 as he experiences a solid season on the PGA Tour, which has included top-five finishes in three designated events. However, Cantlay split with his long-time caddie Matt Minister after he and Xander Schauffele finished tied for fourth in last month’s Zurich Classic of New Orleans. Cantlay and Minister had enjoyed success over a number of years, including victories in the 2019 Memorial Tournament, 2021 Tour Championship and, most recently, last August’s BMW Championship, but that wasn’t enough to keep the working relationship going. Meanwhile, although Cantlay form has been excellent in recent months, he has made headlines for another reason – perceived slow play. After the Masters, joint runner-up at Augusta National, Brooks Koepka, declared Cantlay’s group in the final round as “brutally slow,” with most observers suggesting it was the American rather than his playing partner Viktor Hovland who was most at fault. Cantlay has worked with LaCava in the past, albeit on a temporary basis, during the 2021 Northern Trust Open. LaCava has also caddied for Fred Couples, while he was on the bag for Steve Stricker at TPC Louisiana two weeks ago.Cantlay, currently ranked World No. 4, has been experiencing a solid season on the PGA Tour, with top-five finishes in three designated events. However, he recently split with his long-time caddie Matt Minister after finishing tied for fourth in last month’s Zurich Classic of New Orleans. Cantlay has also faced criticism for perceived slow play, with Brooks Koepka labeling his group in the final round of the Masters as “brutally slow.”
?‘MOVING ON’: Tiger’s agent has given ESPN additional insights into Joe LaCava’s departure: "Joe called Tiger to ask him and get his approval," Steinberg said. "Of course, Tiger gave it. Tiger and Joe are like brothers, tremendous friends. You shouldn't read anything more in to…
— TWLEGION (@TWlegion) May 2, 2023
LaCava has worked with Cantlay on a temporary basis before, during the 2021 Northern Trust Open. He has also caddied for Fred Couples and Steve Stricker in recent weeks.
As for Woods, his future in golf remains uncertain. While he has expressed a desire to return to the sport, it’s unclear when or if he will be able to compete at the highest level again. The split with LaCava marks the end of an era, and many fans will be eager to see who the golfing legend chooses as his next caddie, should he return to the sport.
