If you are a sports fanatic, then you have definitely heard of umpires and referees. They are all essential parts of sports. But there is one position that you can only find in golf. Since golf is mostly an individual sport, people only think about the golfers and forget those who carry the burdens of the golfers’ weaponry: the caddies.

Yes, whatever you call them, the caddies or bagmen, they are integral parts of the game. They carry golfers’ expensive gear and always give their course insights to the players. Tedd Scott, who has experience assisting golfers at Augusta National, would be the finest illustration. He provided advice that helped Bubba Watson and Scottie Scheffler win the Masters. The whole point is that caddies are the massive support system for golfers. And in light of the 2025 Ryder Cup, who is the caddie for Patrick Cantlay?

Who is Joe LaCava?

Patrick Cantlay’s caddie, LeCava, was born and brought up in Newtown, Connecticut. He pursued a degree in finance at Western Connecticut State University. However, he never put the degree to use, as he switched to caddying. His journey as a caddie began with what could be described as a helping hand for his cousin, Ken Green. He looped in for his cousin in 1987 and then teamed up with Fred Couples in 1990. The duo was together for an amazing journey spanning 20+ years.

During this time, LaCava made a name for himself standing beside Ken Green while he won 12 PGA Tour events. This included his major victory at the 1992 Masters against Raymond Floyd with 13 under par. He even won the 1996 Players Championship and 10 other PGA Tours.

Later, he became famously known as Tiger Woods’ caddie, starting in September 2011. And prior to Woods, he handled Dustin Johnson’s bag. This makes it quite evident that LaCava is a highly sought-after caddy in the golf world.

Well, if you have witnessed the ‘Tiger Woods’ era, then you would have heard about this man. He and Woods worked together for 13 long years. He stayed by Woods’ side throughout his tumultuous journey, from the tragic car accident to his impressive comeback at the 2019 Masters.

Patrick Cantlay has reached Rome for the upcoming biggest battle of the year, the Ryder Cup. To make his patriotic dream come true, Cantlay has a new addition to his team: his new caddie, Joe LaCava.

How did Joe LaCava become Patrick Cantlay’s caddie?

Cantlay and LaCava’s journey started as just a fill-up for a week. The 8-time PGA Tour winner was looking for someone to handle his bag for the 2021 Northern Trust. However, it was not until May 2023 that Cantlay officially reached out to Joe for caddying.

The American golfer said the transition was easy. “[LaCava] filled in a week for me a couple years ago. We’ve known each other a few years now and he’s a pro and I’ve been doing it a little while now, so it’s a pretty easy transition,” Cantlay said to NBC Sports.

It was thanks to Fred Couples that the transition became even more seamless. “[Fred Couples] just spoke so highly of [LaCava], not just as a caddie but as a friend, that he’s just a great dude. I trust Fred a lot, he’s a good friend of mine and I’ve gotten pretty close to him over the years, so when he says something like that, I know he keeps a tight circle, he means it,” Cantlay said.

These comments from Cantlay show his trust in his caddie LaCava. It is only natural for him to have such trust, as his caddie is not a rookie, but a veteran who has carried bags for top players among the golf elite.

Joe LaCava’s Impact on Cantlay’s Performance

LaCava and Cantlay joined hands in mid-2023. Where LaCava took a break with Woods, the 8-time PGA Tour winner split up with his longtime caddie, Matt Minister. The Memorial Tournament victories with Patrick Cantlay in 2019 and 2021 were Minister’s biggest accomplishments.

Since Woods has long been absent from the course, many thought the LaCava-Cantlay was just temporary. However, for LaCava, this partnership is going to be sturdy. He said he has full intention now of working with Cantlay, and he will work with him as long as the 31-year-old golfer intends to have him.

When LaCava got the opportunity to caddie for Cantlay, he checked with Woods. ”…And when this opportunity arose, I checked with Tiger. And he said, You’re crazy not to take the job; go forward, go win some tournaments, go have a great time,” said LaCava. “I’m saying this kiddingly; if Woods could physically carry his own bag, he could win. I think he’s fine without me. We’ll miss each other with the friendship and not seeing each other as we normally would.”

LaCava brought his veteran experience and a steadying presence to Cantlay’s game. While Patrick has not won any PGA Tour events since LaCava joined, he has managed to achieve multiple top-10 finishes. He even went to the playoffs for the 2023 FedEx St. Jude Championship. Unluckily, he lost to Lucas Glover despite mounting a strong charge with a 6-under par round of 64.

Earnings: How much does Joe LaCava make?

Joe LaCava has an estimated net worth of $2 million. Caddies usually earn a base salary of $1,500 to $2,500 per week, along with their player’s winnings. They get between 5% to 10% of their winnings.

LaCava has played with multiple elite players who have gone on to win PGA Tours. During his time with Woods alone, Joe has made an estimated annual earnings between $272,000 and $544,000 based on his winnings.

LaCava has truly been a formidable force behind many golfers’ success. We can’t wait to see him and Cantlay’s teamwork in the biennial event, especially because it will be held on the territory of their opponents. Are you also excited to see Cantlay and LaCava in the Ryder Cup? Let us know in the comments section below.