For more than a decade, Tiger Woods and Joe LaCava formed one of golf’s most recognizable partnerships. But Woods’ limited schedule eventually forced LaCava to make a practical decision.

They shared several memorable moments, so the end of their partnership drew attention. But it wasn’t due to any disagreement between them.

The real reason was Woods’ limited playing schedule after ankle surgery. No one knew when he would be able to return to a regular run of tournaments. In the two seasons before that, Woods played only five official events. He made the cut in four of them but finished just two. “Tiger’s not going to play much going forward,” LaCava said, adding that Woods is not retiring but will probably play only two to six tournaments a year.

For LaCava, a caddie for nearly 40 years, waiting without knowing when the next event might come wasn’t realistic.

“Tiger and I have talked about if something were to come up, feel free to do something,” LaCava said. “You’re crazy not to take the job, go forward, go win some tournaments, go have a great time.”

Soon after, LaCava joined Patrick Cantlay’s bag before the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow. The move wasn’t due to frustration or any loss of faith in Woods.

LaCava Steps In as Cantlay Parts Ways With His Own Longtime Caddie

The timing of LaCava joining Cantlay also had its own backstory.

Cantlay had just ended his partnership with longtime caddie Matt Minister after the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. Despite the change, he was still playing well and had already recorded three top-five finishes that season.

For LaCava, the opportunity came at the right moment. With Woods expected to play only a handful of events each year, Cantlay offered the chance to work regularly and stay involved in competitive golf.

LaCava has spent nearly four decades on tour and has worked with players such as Fred Couples and Dustin Johnson before his 12-year partnership with Woods.

Woods and LaCava won 12 tournaments together during their partnership.

Will LaCava return to Tiger's bag when Woods tees it up again? Let us know what you think about it in the comments.

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Written by

Sneha Abraham

Edited by

Pulkit Prabhav