Tiger Woods, renowned for his relentless competitiveness on the golf course, reveals a lesser-known compassionate side through insights shared by his long-time caddie, Joe LaCava. Despite Woods’ status as a 15-time major champion and the widely acknowledged greatest golfer in history, his personal life has faced scrutiny over the years.
LaCava, a steadfast supporter of the 48-year-old, asserts that Woods has consistently demonstrated selflessness away from the media’s gaze throughout his illustrious career. The legendary caddie, who recently ended a 27-year partnership with Nike, stands by Woods despite the controversies that have shadowed the golfer’s legacy.
Offering a glimpse into the human side of Woods, LaCava shares anecdotes showcasing the golfer’s personal generosity. Ahead of the 2023 Masters, Woods reportedly met with rising golf talents, suggesting a growth in his character over the years. LaCava emphasizes that such gestures were unlikely from Woods in the past.
Delving into personal experiences, LaCava recounts instances where Woods displayed remarkable generosity. After Woods’ triumphant 2019 Masters victory, he gifted LaCava a ‘flashy’ Rolex watch. Furthermore, Woods provided his beach house in Florida to LaCava’s family for his wife Megan and daughter Lauren to celebrate a birthday, complete with balloons, presents, and lunch on his yacht.
Highlighting Woods’ philanthropy, LaCava reveals that the golf legend casually mentioned funding the construction of a library for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital during a fundraiser. Praising Woods, LaCava states, “He’s done so many of those things that people don’t know about.”
Looking ahead, Woods expresses his intention to play ‘once a month’ on the tour in 2024. This follows his successful comeback at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas in November, where he completed 72 holes. Discussing his planned schedule, Woods acknowledges the need to get in better shape but remains optimistic about his game’s proximity to its peak.