Tiger Woods is back in the news, but this time for reasons that concern the sports world. After being arrested for driving under the influence and property damage, in a situation involving a serious accident where his car overturned, Woods’ former caddie, Joe LaCava, decided to cut contact with the legendary golfer, revealing a firm and concerned stance on the athlete’s current state.
Joe LaCava, who accompanied Woods during the most iconic moments of his career, including the historic triumph at the 2019 Masters, spoke for the first time about the delicate situation his former boss is going through. “He has to help himself, that’s what I hope he does. But I haven’t made any contact with him. I’m leaving him alone so he can sort things out on his own,” LaCava confessed in a recent interview with The Athletic.
The ex-caddie added that Woods already has too many people pressuring him: “He’s probably getting messages and being bothered by a lot of people, I don’t need to be another one. I care a lot about him, I’m not angry. He knows that, he knows I care deeply. He has a lot on his plate, and I’m sure we’ll talk when he gets home. I assume he doesn’t even have access to his phone right now.”
Joe LaCava is not a stranger in Woods’ universe. He was the golfer’s main caddie between 2011 and 2018, supporting him during his recovery from injuries and in the famous victory that marked Tiger’s triumphant return to the top of the golf world. Currently, LaCava works with other golfers like Justin Thomas and Patrick Cantlay, but his connection with Woods remains strong, even if, for now, he chooses to give him space.
This distancing comes at a time when Tiger Woods is facing a personal and legal battle. After the accident and the refusal to take a urine test, the judge allowed Woods, aged 50, to seek treatment abroad, something the athlete himself confirmed by requesting privacy for himself and his family: “I appreciate the understanding and support, and I ask for privacy for my family, loved ones, and myself at this time,” Woods declared.
LaCava’s silence is, in fact, a sign of respect and understanding of what Woods needs now. A close friend who knows that recovery starts from within and that, for now, the best thing is to let the champion find his way.
Despite everything, Joe LaCava maintains unwavering confidence in Tiger Woods’ talent and resilience. After several surgeries, including one on his Achilles tendon in March 2025 and another on his back in October of the same year, Woods was trying to prepare for a return to the professional circuit at the 2026 Masters. Even having recently played in the final of the TGL Season 2, where his team, Jupiter Links Golf Club, lost to the Los Angeles Golf Club, the desire to return was alive.
When asked about the possibility of Woods repeating an epic feat similar to Jack Nicklaus, who at 58 finished sixth in the 1998 Masters, LaCava did not hesitate: “He’ll be over 50, I know that. But I would never say this man can’t. I wouldn’t rule him out at all.”
This vote of confidence is based on legendary examples, like Nicklaus and also Phil Mickelson, who won the PGA Championship in 2021 at nearly 51 years old, becoming the oldest major winner in recent history.
LaCava’s temporary distancing does not mean abandonment, but rather a clear demonstration that, for a new great recovery to be possible, Tiger Woods will first have to win the toughest battle – the one against himself. Meanwhile, the golf world watches, in suspense, the unfolding of this crisis that could define the future of one of the greatest legends in sports.
This article first appears in Apito Final.
