CHARLOTTE – When Joe LaCava caddied at the PGA Tour’s Zurich Classic of New Orleans, two weeks ago Stricker was very clear about the fact that LaCava had been Tiger Woods’ bagboy since 2011. LaCava will be working for Patrick Cantlay again at the Wells Fargo Championship this week. But this time, it won’t be a one-off.
Cantlay and veteran caddie Matt Minister split up following the tournament in New Orleans. LaCava, who was available to work after Woods’ ankle fusion surgery and is expected to be sidelined in the near future, has joined Cantlay as a full-time caddie. This news was first reported by Golf Channel.
Cantlay & LaCava worked together in the past during the Northern Trust 2021 when Minister was absent due to COVID-19.
LaCava began his career caddying with his brother-in law, Ken Green, and worked for Fred Couples for over 20 years. In 2011, Woods asked LaCava to become Dustin Johnson’s caddy after Steve Williams split up with him.
LaCava was offered to work with other players in the past, but he remained loyal to Woods. Together, they have won 12 times including the 2019 Masters.
Justin Thomas described LaCava as “as loyal as they come”. There are so many guys here who would take him on as a caddie instantly. Joe was loyal to Tiger, but Tiger probably told him, “Go caddie. Go do whatever.” Joe, that is not his style. He’s also a caddie, and is competitive, just like Bones. They love to caddie, and they also love to win tournaments. “I’m sure his decision was influenced by that as well.”
Thomas went on to say: “I’m not sure what happened, nor do I know how long the situation has lasted, but I’m certain that this would never, ever happen if Tiger didn’t approve it. Joe, Tiger and Patrick are not like that. “There was definitely some sort of conversation going on there.”
Cantlay is 31 years old and has won eight tournaments, including 2021 FedEx Cup, when he received the PGA Tour Player Of The Year award. He is currently ranked fourth but has yet to win a major.
