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The Ryder Cup has come to an end with Team Europe winning the cup. The past three days were filled with terrific and exceptional gameplay from both teams. On day 2, Team US was trailing 5 points behind Team Europe. Ending the evening fourball session with 3-1, the Americans made the news but for different reasons altogether.

According to various reports, Patrick Cantlay‘s caddie got into a fiery argument with Rory McIlroy over the 18th putt celebration. As the controversy grew, people started wondering, who is Joe LaCava and why is he associated with Tiger Woods.

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Tiger Woods’ caddie: Who is Joe LaCava?

Joe LaCava, a native of Connecticut, made his debut in 1987 alongside his cousin, Ken Green. Owing to his consistent performance, LaCava was contacted by veteran golfer Fred Couples. In 1990, LaCava attained the position of caddie for Couples and stayed with him for more than 20 years.

Couples had 12 victories on the PGA Tour with LaCava on his side, including the 1992 Augusta National. Dustin Johnson then hired him in May 2011 but after 4 months on the course, LaCava got a gigantic offer that changed his life.

In 2011, Joe made the decision to leave Dustin behind and partner with Tiger Woods. Joe left Johnson in October and when asked about his rationale, said, “It’s Tiger Woods and that’s what it’s all about.“ Woods also called LaCava “One of the best caddies out there.”

In 2023, with Tiger’s nod, LaCava joined the world number 5, Patrick Cantlay. The first event they played together was the Wells Fargo Championship. The 68-year-old is an experienced caddie. He knows the nooks and crannies of golf. As of now, he is caddying with Cantlay at the Ryder’s Cup.

LaCava’s loyalty to Woods

Woods’ career was hitting rock bottom when LaCava joined him. Tiger was dealing with controversies surrounding his extramarital affair and his divorce from ex-wife Elin Nordegren. His golf ranking also fell to an all-time low of 58.

Read More: Was Joe LaCava’s Hat Waving Justified? Diving Into His Bizarre Spat With Rory McIlroy That Sent Ripples Through the Golf World

Despite all this, LaCava accepted the offer at such a low point in Woods’ career. Even after Woods took frequent breaks to recover, LaCava never left his side.

But in 2023, LaCava moved on to a new bag due to Woods’ surgery and break thereafter. LaCava spoke to PGATour.com and shared Tiger’s reaction. Woods encouraged the caddie and said, “I know how much you miss it, how much you love caddying. You’re crazy not to take the job, go forward, go win some tournaments, go have a great time.”

With LaCava on his side, Woods won 11 times on the PGA Tour, including the 2019 Masters. Because of their 12-year-long camaraderie, LaCava became popular by the name of Tiger’s caddie.

Watch this Story | As His Personal Life Turns Dark, Tiger Woods Finds USWNT Star to Clamp Back at LIV Golf Betrayal With Serena Williams