Title: “Joe LaCava Reflects on Over a Decade Caddying for Tiger Woods: A Bond Beyond the Greens”
In the world of golf, partnerships between players and caddies often transcend the boundaries of a professional relationship, evolving into a camaraderie built on trust and shared victories. One such enduring partnership was that of Tiger Woods and his longtime caddie, Joe LaCava, who recently shared insights into their remarkable journey on the Quiet Please podcast.
As Tiger Woods makes his official return to golf, he does so without the familiar presence of Joe LaCava by his side. The split, amicable after a hiatus from the sport, marked the end of a partnership that spanned over 12 years, yielding 11 victories, including the historic 2019 Masters Tournament.
In a candid interview, LaCava reminisced about his early days with Woods, highlighting the nerves that came with caddying for a golf icon. The golfer’s coach, Mark Steinberg, and other key figures were occasionally present, intensifying the pressure to perform. However, what stood out to LaCava was Woods’ low-maintenance demeanor and his reluctance to complain about any mistakes, no matter how small.
LaCava revealed, “The fact that he never ever came back to me once… I probably worked 100, 110 tournaments for the guy.” This insight into Woods’ character speaks volumes about the 15-time major champion’s professionalism and sportsmanship. Despite the inevitable errors that come with any partnership, Woods maintained a remarkable level of composure and never burdened his caddie with grievances.
The caddie acknowledged Woods’ goodness and recounted moments of humility where he had to request Woods to dial back his kindness. This revelation paints a picture of a golfer not only focused on his game but also invested in nurturing a positive and supportive working relationship with his caddie.
As Tiger Woods embarks on the next chapter of his golfing journey without LaCava, their partnership remains etched in the annals of golf history—a testament to the enduring bonds formed on the greens and the mutual respect that defined their remarkable alliance.