Tiger Woods‘ search for a new permanent caddie is now complete. In an announcement posted to his website on Sunday night, Woods said he has hired veteran caddie Joe LaCava as his new looper.
Woods and LaCava will work together for the first time at the Frys.com Open in October. The tournament will be the first for Woods since missing the cut at the PGA Championship in August.
“Joe is an outstanding caddie, and I have known him for many years,” Woods said. “I’ve personally seen the great job he did for Freddie [Couples]. I’m anxious for us to be working together.”
LaCava had been working with Dustin Johnson since May, including a win at The Barclays in August. Johnson hired LaCava after Fred Couples, who had worked with the caddie for two decades, gave permission to his looper to take what Couples perceived as a more profitable bag with a brighter future.
Johnson was informed by LaCava of his decision at the Tour Championship in Atlanta. Woods then contacted Johnson to discuss the move personally. Johnson then informed coach Butch Harmon of the change, which Harmon then shared on Sky Sports TV coverage of the playoff finale. The Associated Press confirmed Harmon’s report, citing multiple anonymous sources.
Woods has been in search of a permanent caddie since July, when he fired Steve Williams after a 12-year relationship during which Woods won 13 major championships. Woods ended the relationship because Williams caddied for Aussie Adam Scott at the U.S. Open and AT&T National while Woods was recovering from injuries to his left knee and Achilles that were aggravated at the Masters and reaggravated at the Players.
At both the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational and PGA Championship in August, friend Bryon Bell caddied for Woods at Atlanta Athletic Club.
LaCava is the third full-time caddie Woods has used in his career. Mike “Fluff” Cowan was Woods’ first caddie, working with Woods from 1996-1999. Cowan has worked with Jim Furyk since then.
