Report: Tiger Woods’ caddie Joe LaCava taking new bag “full time”

It is understood that Joe LaCava, the long-time caddie for Tiger Woods, is taking up Patrick Cantlay’s bag on a full-time basis.

LaCava was originally thought to be stepping in to help out Cantlay on a one-off basis at this week’s Wells Fargo Championship following the world No.4’s recent split with his looper Matt Minister.

However, it is now being reported that the arrangement is a permanent one.

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According to the Golf Channel, LaCava got Woods’ blessing to team up with Cantlay for the “foreseeable future”.

The news is bound to cast fresh doubt on Tiger’s future.

A fortnight ago, the former world No.1 announced that he was facing another spell on the sidelines after undergoing a subtalar fusion in his right foot.

It is not known how long he will be out for but, appearing on The bunkered Podcast last week, tour-pro-turned-orthopedic-surgeon Dr. Bill Mallon suggested it might not be until the 2024 Masters Tournament before Woods is able to compete again.

LaCava carried the bag for Cantlay back in 2021 at the Northern Trust Open, while Woods was out recuperating following a near-fatal car accident six months earlier.

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Two weeks ago, LaCava – who has caddied for Woods since 2011 – was on the bag for Steve Stricker at the Zurich Classic.

The former Ryder Cup captain player missed the cut that week but LaCava be confident of getting more reps under his belt this time around, with Cantlay – who finished tied for 14th at The Masters and third at the RBC Heritage the following week – one of the bookies’ favourites at the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow.

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor