‘We’re Just Moving On’: Days After Ex Caddie’s Change, Tiger Woods’ Close Friend Breaks Ice on the Sudden Shuffle

A golfer and his caddie share a close relationship, which is not limited to just carrying bags. From advice to support to morale boost, a caddie has a crucial role to play in a game. Any conflict amongst the two might affect the overall game of the player. Tiger Woods and Joe LaCava have proved to be an exemplary team for over a decade. However, the GOAT suffered serious injuries in February 2021 after he was involved in a terrible car crash, almost costing him his right leg. The incident restricted Woods from continuously playing and this meant a break for Joe LaCava as well.

Woods’ recent withdrawal from the 2023 Masters added to his woes, owing to his health. Tiger’s return to professional tournaments seems unlikely for some time. This might have created uncertainty for Joe LaCava, who has stayed loyal to Tiger since 2011.

Joe finally takes the full-time offer from Patrick Cantlay

Earlier this week, the 67-year-old joined Patrick Cantlay as his caddie. Patrick had earlier said goodbye to his veteran caddie Matt Minister at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. This information was confirmed by Woods’ representative and close friend, Mark Steinberg. In a recent interview at Quail Hollow Club, Woods’ agent confirmed that Joe had called the legend before making his decision.

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

For Joe, to work for Cantlay isn’t surprising. He has worked for the 2022 DP World Tour Championship winner before as well in 2021 at the Northern Trust. The first tournament that LaCava will be caddying the world No.4  for is the 2023 Wells Fargo Championship.

Read More: Tiger Woods’ “Devastating” Health Condition Comes to Light Through Caddie’s Honest Confession

During the practice round this Tuesday in North Carolina, the caddie revealed to PGATour, “Tiger and I have talked about if something were to come up, feel free to do something. He added that Woods informed him, “I know how much you miss it, how much you love caddying.” Joe continued his statement by quickly adding, “And when this opportunity arose, I checked with Tiger. And he said, ‘You’re crazy not to take the job, go forward, go win some tournaments, go have a great time“. LaCava believed the partnership between him and Cantlay to work out because they seem to have a good understanding of each other.

The loyal player-caddie relationship between Tiger Woods and Joe LaCava

The 15 times major winner locked Joe LaCava on the bag 12 years ago. Woods had since then never split from his caddie. Joe initially started his career by caddying for Ken Green, his brother-in-law. Since then his passion, love, and respect for the game have only developed. Apart from five-time masters champion, he has been a caddie for 15-time PGA Tour winner Fred Couples, for more than two decades. Loyalty just feels like second nature to Joe LaCava.

However. this loyalty was tested when the professionals and fans were left stunned by the 2021 accident. They wondered if the star golfer would return to the greens again. But Joe stuck by Woods’ side during this tough time. He also caddied for the GOAT at the Masters and the Genesis Invitational.

Alas! The 2023 Masters brought with it the withdrawal of the fifteen-time major winner from the championship. This time the news became even more heart-breaking when Mark Steinberg stated that Woods’ recovery has no timeline. The star had already stated that his games are going to be limited now and Steinberg announced that he is working on getting better. He also added, “Joe wants to work, and so I think Tiger got that. We’re just moving on.”

With his new role as Cantlay’s full-time caddie, LaCava will get to live his dream. He enjoys doing what he does. He, like any other golf lover. wants to remain connected to the game. What do you think of this switch? And the commendable relationship between Joe and Woods? Let us know in the comments down below.

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