Tiger Woods’ former caddie, Joe LaCava, believes Woods could one day contend at Augusta again. LaCava was Woods’ caddie when he won the 2019 Masters, his first green jacket since 2005.
LaCava’s Confidence in Woods
LaCava, now caddying for Patrick Cantlay, is not writing off the 15-time major champion. “He’s got anything in him, and he’s proven that,” LaCava told The Athletic. LaCava added, “I wouldn’t put anything past the guy. So I’d never write him off.”
Woods is now 50, and his recent performances have been forgettable. In 14 majors since his last victory, he has not managed a top 20 finish.
It’s his longest such streak since failing to finish in the top 20 in the first six majors of his career in 1995 and 1996. In his last 26 majors, he has only four top 20 finishes.
Woods’ Recent Struggles and DUI Arrest
LaCava has not reached out to Woods since his recent DUI arrest. He is “leaving him alone and letting him figure it out for himself.”
“He’s got to help himself, which is what I’m hoping he’ll do. But I have not made any contact with him …” LaCava said. “He’s got enough people probably texting him and hounding him, right? I don’t need to bother him. I care greatly about him. I’m not p—-d at him. He knows that. He knows that I care deeply about him. He’s got enough stuff going on, so I’m sure we’ll communicate once he’s back home. I’m assuming he doesn’t have access to his phone anyway.”
Woods admitted to authorities that he was “hoping to” play in this year’s Masters Tournament before his DUI arrest.
Woods’ Performance Since 2020
Since finishing tied for ninth at the 2020 Farmers Insurance Open, Woods’ best finish in his 18 official events since then has been a tie for 37th at the 2020 PGA Championship.
He has not competed since 2024, when he competed in just five events — the Genesis Invitational and the four majors. He withdrew from the Genesis, finished dead last in the Masters and missed the cut in the other majors.
Despite Woods being “50-plus”, LaCava still has hope. “He’s done everything, right?” LaCava said.