Tiger Woods To Hire Joe LaCava As Next Caddie
ATLANTA (AP) — Tiger Woods has hired Joe LaCava to be his third full-time caddie, The Associated Press learned Sunday.
Two people aware of the deal said LaCava decided to leave Dustin Johnson, one of the most talented young Americans, to go to work for the former world No. 1 who hasn't won in the last two years.
They spoke on condition of anonymity because neither Woods nor Johnson have spoken publicly about the hire.
LaCava was the longtime caddie for Fred Couples, a relationship that ended in the summer because Johnson was looking for a caddie and Couples' playing schedule was being reduced because of his health.
Woods fired Steve Williams after nearly 13 years this summer after Williams worked for Adam Scott while Woods was recovering from a knee injury. One person said LaCava informed Johnson of his decision after the final round of the Tour Championship.
LaCava was flying home and could not be immediately reached. Johnson left for a corporate photo shoot in Georgia, and then was headed for Scotland for the Dunhill Links Championship.
LaCava waited for him at his courtesy car to load up his clubs, and their farewell in the parking lot was routine. Johnson had planned to take a couple of friends to Scotland to caddie for him and his brother, Austin, his amateur partner.
Johnson won The Barclays last month with LaCava on the bag, and the news was a surprise. However, LaCava has two children, ages 12 and 14, and as long as he has been a caddie, wants to be spending more time at home. Johnson also is leaning toward taking up European Tour membership next year, which would mean about four additional tournaments overseas.
Woods, even when fully healthy, plays a limited schedule.
The question is whether Woods can make this a profitable move for LaCava. Woods hasn't won in more than two years on the PGA Tour, and he did not qualify for the FedEx Cup playoffs this year, mainly because he missed nearly four months with an injury.
Woods has said his left leg is stronger than it has been in years. Woods next plays at the Frys.com Open in two weeks at CordeValle, about an hour south of San Francisco. Woods also is playing the Australian Open and the Presidents Cup, a competition that will feature all of his caddies — Mike Cowan (now with Jim Furyk) and Williams, who works for Scott.
