Tiger Woods’ former caddie has revealed the reason why he hasn’t reached out to the golf legend following his recent shock DUI arrest.
Woods, 50, was detained on March 27 after flipping his SUV while attempting to overtake a truck and trailer at high speed in the billionaire enclave of Jupiter Island in Florida. He was found with two pills in his pocket.
The scandalized golf legend is believed to have jetted to Switzerland last week to seek treatment after vowing to step away from the sport to focus on his health and recovery in the wake of his arrest.
While the 15-time Major champion sets about his recovery, his glaring absence from this year’s Masters competition in Augusta, Georgia, has resulted in his former caddie being quizzed over the situation.
Speaking to The Athletic, Joe LaCava said: ‘He’s got to help himself, which is what I’m hoping he’ll do. But I have not made any contact with him. I’m leaving him alone and letting him figure it out for himself.’
As well as being a long-time friend of Woods, LaCava has stood beside the golf icon during some of his biggest moments and was on the bag for Woods for his last victory at Augusta National back in 2019.
Tiger Woods’ former caddie, Joe LaCava, has spoken out about the golf icon’s latest DUI arrest
Woods rolled his car near his Jupiter Island home in March, his fourth incident involving a car
LaCava continued: ‘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***ed 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.’
When asked whether he believed Woods could one day contend at the Masters again, LaCava said: ‘I don’t see why not. He’s got it in him, and he’s proven that.
‘But yeah, that’s the hope for me. He’s done everything, right? He’s going to be 50-plus, I get it. But I wouldn’t put anything past the guy. So I’d never write him off.’
While Woods ‘seeks treatment’ following his latest ordeal, LaCava is now caddying for Patrick Cantlay.
‘The tournament is going to be phenomenal, but of course it’s going to miss Tiger. How could it not?’ LaCava added.
In a brief statement on the issue released last week, Woods said: ‘I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today.
LaCava has stood beside the golf icon during some of his biggest moments in his career
Woods, 50, stands by his overturned vehicle in Jupiter Island shortly before his arrest
‘I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery.
‘I’m committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger and more focused place, both personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time.’
Five of the 15 Major titles to Woods’s name came at Augusta and his presence is still felt around the fabled course this week, even in his absence. His last Major triumph was there, in 2019.
But since then, his personal issues away from the sport have been a major part of the Woods story.
It has since emerged that prosecutors in Florida have requested to dive into the medical records of Woods after he was arrested for DUI in Jupiter, Florida.
According to the New York Post, it has also emerged that Woods’s pharmacy is being asked by prosecutors to provide detail about every prescription drug he was given.
With Woods absent from this year’s Masters, LaCava is caddying for Patrick Cantlay
The Post says prosecutors want to find out if Woods had any warnings not to drive when he was taking the medication.
They quoted a subpoena from Martin County in Florida requesting the ‘date and time prescription was filled, type of prescription, number of pills in each prescription, the dosage amount, and all special instructions.’
Woods blew a clear breathalyzer test on the roadside after the incident but refused to give a urine sample.
He admitted taking ‘a few pills’ and was found with two white tablets, which were later identified as the opioid hydrocodone.
