Tiger Woods and his long-time caddie Joe LaCava have reportedly parted ways.
LaCava had been working with Woods since 2011, and was on the bag when he claimed the most recent of his 15 Major wins at the 2019 Masters.
However, Woods' most recent Augusta National appearance, which saw him withdraw during the third round, looks like being the last time LaCava caddied for him. Woods is currently out of action following ankle surgery and, with no estimated return date, per the Golf Channel's Todd Lewis, LaCava has now teamed up with Patrick Cantlay, starting with this week's Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow.
On the bag for @patrick_cantlay this week at the @WellsFargoGolf and for the foreseeable future is Joe Lacava who got the blessing from friend and former boss @TigerWoods to make the move to Cantlay. This is not a one off but a full time move for Lacava. pic.twitter.com/nAIMtmylpbMay 2, 2023
Woods' agent Mark Steinberg also confirmed that was the case. He told ESPN: "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."
🚨‘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…May 2, 2023
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.
