After a highly publicized divorce from his longtime caddie Steve Williams earlier this season, Tiger Woods has finally named his full-time replacement. Woods has hired former Dustin Johnson caddy Joe LaCava to take over for the dismissed Williams.
LaCava, who spent time with Fred Couples before working with Johnson, will have to hope that Woods picks up his play after a rather dismal 2011 PGA season. Caddies earn a percentage of what the golfers earn on the tour, so if Woods continues to struggle next season LaCava may actually make less with Woods than he could with Johnson.
However, there is a certain notoriety that comes with being Tiger Woods' caddie. Before his dismissal, Steve Johnson was one of the most recognized caddies in the business, and everybody knew that he was Tiger's guy. If LaCava can find success with Woods it is safe to say that he will begin to experience the so-called Tiger bump, propelling him to a higher level of fame than Dustin Johnson could.
With all this being said, it appears as if Johnson was surprised by the news that his caddie was leaving him to join Woods' team. Rumor has it that Woods didn't call and ask Johnson's permission to speak with LaCava, not to mention ask if he could hire him. Johnson's manager, Dave Winkle, stated his opinion in USA Today:
“Needless to say, Dustin and I were completely surprised, as they have enjoyed a great relationship and have been very successful together. Nonetheless, we think highly of Joe, both as a caddie and a person, which is why he was hired in the first place. We wish him nothing but the best with his new employer.”
Whether or not LaCava can help Woods find his long-lost dominance is obviously yet to be seen. But it appears as if the question of Tiger's caddie has been answered, at least for now.
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