PGA Tour: Prior to hiring Joe LaCava, Tiger Woods’ longtime caddy, for “the foreseeable future,” Patrick Cantlay has acknowledged that he did not confer with Tiger.
LaCava has been Woods’ full-time caddy since 2011, and the veteran has stayed with the former world No. 1 in recent years as injuries have curtailed his playing time. LaCava was present with Woods as he won his 15th major championship at The Masters in 2019.
Woods, 47, has only made a few starts since a career-threatening car accident in February 2021, and he underwent ankle surgery after pulling out of The Masters mid-round last month. There is still no definitive timeline for Woods’ return to competitive play.
Woods apparently gave LaCava the go-ahead to take on a new full-time caddie position, but Cantlay decided against getting in touch with the five-time Master’s victor before approaching LaCava about a job.
Cantlay stated during his pre-tournament press conference prior to the Wells Fargo Championship, “I haven’t spoken to Tiger.”
When regular looper Matt Minister was unable to caddy for Cantlay at The Northern Trust in 2021 due to Covid-19, LaCava stepped in to fill in. The world No.
“I’ve known Fred Couples for a very long time, and because he’s been in Newport Beach for a while and we’ve played golf a lot together, I’ve heard fantastic things about Joe [LaCava].
“Joe indicated it was doable when I contacted him; it turned out to work out, and I’m extremely delighted about that. He merely maintains a firm hand on the wheel.
“I’m sure he’s experienced every situation a caddy might encounter, and he’s just a kind man. So, I’ve enjoyed my brief time with him and am optimistic that we’ll work well together in the future,” said Cantlay.
Cantlay and Minister have been partners since 2017 and were present for each of his eight career victories. Cantlay has six top-10 finishes in 11 PGA Tour starts this season.
“We achieved a lot together, and I’m really proud of all we accomplished,” said Cantlay. “He’s a wonderful buddy of mine, and we had many successful finishes and victories together. I am therefore eternally grateful to him; I merely wanted a change.”
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