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, the caddies or bagmen, they are one of the most 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 upcoming Ryder Cup, who is the caddie for Patrick Cantlay?

Meet one of the most experienced caddies of all time

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. 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.

LaCava is an old-timer who has been on this journey for nearly 40 years. He first attracted attention when he used to look after Fred Couples’ bag when Couples won the 1992 Masters, his first and only major victory. 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.

The new partnership in this Ryder Cup

Only this year, LaCava and Cantlay joined hands. 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 the 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 to work 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’s friendship with ‘Bones’

Jim Mackay, also known as Bones, is one of the most prominent caddies in golf. He was the former looper for Phil Mickelson and is now a bagman for Justin Thomas. A few weeks ago, Golf.com shared a video of Bones on Instagram where he talked about his friendship with other caddies.

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Bones mentioned his and LaCava’s long friendship and their attendance at each other’s wedding. “My best friends are caddies Joe LeCava, you know, who now works with Patrick Cantlay. We’ve been the best friends since 1991. I was at his wedding; he was at my wedding.”

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.

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