The year 2023 hasn’t been pleasant for Tiger Woods. From his personal life troubles to his injuries, the golfer’s future in the sport has been a worrying sight. However, the golf world was delivered with another upsetting update about the Hall of Famer. While he is expected to miss this month’s PGA Championship, one of Woods’ familiar team members will be at the Southern Hills Country Club without him.
Following his exit from the Masters, Tiger’s team announced about the golfer undergoing ankle surgery. Though his Subtalar Fusion procedure was successful, the golfer is expected to miss the rest of the 2022-23 season.
With Woods being away from professional golf, many of his team members have decided to look elsewhere for their own good. One of them is Joe LaCava, who, after spending more than a decade carrying his bag, has parted ways.
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End of an era for Tiger Woods and Joe LaCava
After splitting with New Zealand-origin caddie Steve Williams in 2011, Woods joined hands with LaCava. Since then, the golfer caddie duo has been together for nearly 12 years. However, according to Golf Channel journalist Todd Lewis, LaCava will now bag for PGA Tour star Patrick Cantlay on a permanent basis.
🚨#UPDATE: Joe LaCava is moving to Patrick Cantlay’s bag on a permanent basis and the move is not a one off per @ToddLewisGC. LaCava received Tiger’s approval to make the move.
— TWLEGION (@TWlegion) May 2, 2023
Moreover, Lewis even confirmed that Woods approved Joe’s big decision. Cantlay, who’s had 8 PGA Tour wins in his career, also had LaCava caddie for him in the past as a sub-in role. However, Joe LaCava will be by Patrick’s side during this week’s Wells Fargo Championship. Cantlay also parted ways with his longtime caddie Matt ‘Rev’ Minister after last week’s Zurich Classic.
Read More: Tiger Woods, Who Has a Net Worth of $1,000,000,000, Once Had His Golf Clubs Sold for 7 Figures
With Tiger Woods separating from Joe LaCava, it has worried some of the fans of the 15-time Major winner. Since Woods would barely compete this season, LaCava can carry his bag during those rare occasions. But then who will caddie for Patrick Cantlay? Another option for Tiger is to appoint Rob McNamara, the vice-President of TGR Ventures.
Apart from holding a high role position in Tiger’s endeavor, McNamara only keeps an eye on Woods’ golf swing as he has been helping the golfer with his swing in recent years. Nonetheless, as the news spread out on social media, fans on the Internet had their say.
Golf world reacts to Woods’ latest update
Though Joe LaCava’s position with Woods is still unclear, the report of him carrying the bag for Cantlay was enough to worry the Tiger fans. Fans had their own way of thinking positively.
Guys. Don’t worry this just makes it official. Tiger is going to ride in a cart. 😉
— Michael B (@mr_balty) May 2, 2023
Guys relax yeah it says permanent but that probably means for the rest of this year obviously tiger is playing again till the earliest the hero in December. Joe still gotta make a living. Joe's Still Tigers guy and once tiger returns to action he will be back ok Tigers bag
— Justin woodwyk (@woodwyk_justin) May 2, 2023
Tigers going to be part time at best anymore, lacava deserves to be able to be full time if he wants. Tiger will be okay guys
— josh canada (@joshcanadatcb) May 2, 2023
Some fans even called caddies who carried Tiger Woods’ bag during his prime years, such as Mike Cowan and Steve Williams. Another fan questioned if Rob McNamara was the right option.
What if I told you… Sometimes ya gotta reach into your past to see the path forward… pic.twitter.com/1ICwZkC5XT
— John Moffett (@AJohnMoffett) May 2, 2023
I’m gonna say it just to start stuff, I don’t care. STEVE WILLIAMS.
— matt (@mpuetz44) May 2, 2023
Can’t see Joe returning for limited starts. What this indicates, in my view, is an uncertain timeframe Tiger. Time to recover from surgery, test the ankle, make a decision, and if a positive one, get some reps in. Would be amazed if we see him this calendar year, if ever again.
— Sanguine (@sanguine61981) May 2, 2023
Apart from the positive set of fans, some even had negative thoughts, with many considering the end of Tiger’s illustrious career.
Tiger Woods career is over..
— Alec Ridderbos (@red_wings22) May 2, 2023
Damn bro……not a good sign
— Dakota Atkinson (@OfficialDak) May 2, 2023
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47 years old. End of golf career. That’s so unbelievably sad.
— HHL🏖️ (@Hiltonheadlivin) May 2, 2023
While it is unclear if Tiger Woods will be back or not, he has given everything to the sport. Regardless of whether he returns or not, Woods will always be one of the greatest golfers of all time.
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Who do you think is the most suitable person to carry Tiger’s caddie? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
