Tiger Woods Gets Troon Reunion With Former Caddie Joe LaCava At The Open
Tiger Woods will reunite with his former caddie Joe LaCava at Royal Troon during the first two rounds of The Open, as Woods has been paired with Patrick Cantlay. LaCava spent 12 years as Woods’ caddie, including during Woods’ memorable 2019 Masters victory at Augusta, his last major win. Due to Woods’ sporadic appearances following…
Tiger Woods will reunite with his former caddie Joe LaCava at Royal Troon during the first two rounds of The Open, as Woods has been paired with Patrick Cantlay. LaCava spent 12 years as Woods’ caddie, including during Woods’ memorable 2019 Masters victory at Augusta, his last major win.
Due to Woods’ sporadic appearances following multiple back surgeries and a 2021 car crash, LaCava started working with Cantlay, and the pair permanently parted ways last year. LaCava’s last stint with Woods was during the 2023 Augusta National, where Woods withdrew in the third round.
For The Open, Woods will have Lance Bennett as his caddie. Bennett, a seasoned caddie on the PGA Tour since 2003, has worked with notable golfers such as Matt Kuchar, Zach Johnson, Julie Inkster, Bill Haas, Paula Creamer, and Sungjae Im.
Despite the split, Woods and LaCava parted on good terms. Woods’ agent, Mark Steinberg, confirmed that LaCava sought Woods’ approval before committing to Cantlay full-time. “Joe called Tiger to ask him and get his approval,” Steinberg told ESPN. “Tiger and Joe are like brothers, tremendous friends. 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.”
The reunion might recall the less amicable incident involving LaCava and Rory McIlroy at the last Ryder Cup, where the caddie and McIlroy had a heated argument on the 18th green in Rome, which continued in the clubhouse car park. The altercation occurred after LaCava celebrated across McIlroy’s line during a match against Cantlay.
As Woods tees off with Cantlay and fellow American Xander Schauffele at Troon, the star grouping is expected to proceed without any awkwardness, showcasing the enduring respect and camaraderie between Woods and LaCava.