Tiger Woods parted ways with his longtime caddie Joe LaCava last year. Though the split was amicable, it sparked rampant speculation about who Woods would choose as his new looper. Woods and LaCava had enjoyed a successful run together since 2011, winning 11 times, including the 2019 Masters. After parting with Woods, LaCava began working with rising star Patrick Cantlay.
The decision to part ways with LaCava was not an easy one for Woods, as the two had developed a strong rapport over the years. However, the legendary golfer felt it was time for a change as he continued his recovery from various injuries and surgeries. The split was described as amicable, with both parties expressing gratitude for their time together and the achievements they had accomplished.
Highly anticipated comeback at the 2023 Hero World Challenge
As Woods made his highly anticipated comeback at the 2023 Hero World Challenge – his first competitive event since withdrawing from the 2023 Masters and undergoing a right ankle procedure – he did so without naming a new permanent looper. Instead, his longtime friend Rob McNamara carried his bag, and Woods finished a respectable 18th in the field of 20.
But ahead of Woods’ return to the regular PGA Tour schedule at February’s Genesis Invitational, the golfing world was eager to see who the 15-time major champion would choose as his new full-time caddie. Woods did not keep them waiting for long, as he announced that he would be debuting a new partnership with veteran looper Lance Bennett.
Bennett is a seasoned caddie who has been working on the PGA Tour since 2003
Bennett is a seasoned caddie who has been working on the PGA Tour since 2003. He has carried the bag for a number of prominent players over the years, including Matt Kuchar, Sungjae Im, and Davis Riley. Woods spoke highly of his new caddie, praising Bennett’s down-to-earth nature, loyalty, and alignment in their approach to the game.
“As far as Lance is concerned,” Woods said ahead of the Genesis, “I’ve had a great relationship with him over the years going back to when he caddied for [Matt Kuchar] and when we played at the Presidents Cup together back in, what, Muirfield Village. Very down to earth, very loyal and how he conversated through the years, I’ve also taken notice of that. We’ve had the same type of feels in how we look at the golf course and how we read putts; they’re very similar.”
Unfortunately, Woods and Bennett got off to an inauspicious start at the Genesis, with Woods firing an opening round of 72 and then withdrawing midway through the second round due to illness. Woods did not tee it up again competitively before arriving in Augusta, leaving golf fans and pundits alike eagerly anticipating his return to the course.
Woods appeared to be back to full health
Luckily, Woods appeared to be back to full health on Sunday, smiling in photographs from the grounds of Augusta National as he got in some practice. The golf world will be watching intently to see if this new caddie-player partnership can help propel Woods to another Masters triumph.
The decision to part ways with LaCava and bring on Bennett as his new full-time caddie is a significant one for Woods. LaCava had been by his side for some of the most pivotal moments in the former world No. 1’s career, including his remarkable comeback victory at the 2019 Masters. The two had developed an unparalleled understanding and chemistry on the golf course, which played a crucial role in Woods’ success.
injury-plagued career
However, as Woods continued to navigate the challenges of his injury-plagued career, he clearly felt it was time for a fresh perspective and a new voice in his inner circle. The selection of Bennett, a seasoned and respected caddie on the PGA Tour, suggests that Woods is seeking a trusted confidant who can provide a steadying influence as he aims to add to his impressive major championship tally.
The anticipation surrounding Woods’ return to the Masters is palpable, as golf fans eagerly await the opportunity to witness the legendary player once again compete on the hallowed grounds of Augusta National. With a new caddie by his side and a renewed determination to overcome the physical ailments that have plagued him in recent years, Woods will undoubtedly be a focal point of attention during the tournament.
As the golfing world turns its eyes to Augusta, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on Tiger Woods and his new partnership with Lance Bennett. Can this dynamic duo bring out the best in each other and help Woods write another chapter in his storied career? The answers will unfold over the course of the 2023 Masters Tournament, and golf fans everywhere will be waiting with bated breath to see if the Tiger Woods magic can once again be unleashed at the game’s most prestigious event.
