Joe LaCava on Caddie Hall of Fame induction: ‘I’m overwhelmed’

Joe LaCava
Joe LaCava was inducted into the Caddie Hall of Fame on Wednesday night at Medinah. Photo: Charles Cherney, Western Golf Association

In a ceremony at Medinah Country Club on Wednesday night, longtime PGA Tour caddie Joe LaCava was inducted into the Caddie Hall of Fame.

“I’m overwhelmed tonight,” LaCava said. “I love caddying because I’m just competitive and I hate losing. That’s what it’s about for me. I’m all about winning and having my guy win.”

LaCava, who hails from Newtown, Conn., began caddying on the PGA Tour for his cousin, Ken Green, in 1987. In 1990, he began a two-decade run with Fred Couples. Over that span, the duo collected 12 PGA Tour victories, including the 1992 Masters and two Players Championships.

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LaCava had a short stint with Dustin Johnson before jumping on with Tiger Woods in September 2011.

During Wednesday night’s ceremony, LaCava shared the conversation that unfolded when he received the call to caddie from Woods:

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When Tiger asked Joe to be his caddie…

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In their time together – much of which has been injury-plagued for Woods – the pair has collected seven PGA Tour wins, most notably the 2019 Masters this past April. It was Woods’ 15th major title overall and it made it 27 years between Masters victories for LaCava as a caddie.

“We are honored and excited to welcome Joe LaCava into The Caddie Hall of Fame,” said Vince Pellegrino, Senior Vice President of Tournaments for the Western Golf Association, which conducts the BMW Championship. “For more than 30 years, Joe has personified professionalism and elevated the profile of caddies worldwide.”

The Caddie Hall of Fame was created in 1991 by the Professional Caddies Association, with the WGA taking over formal administration in 2011. Notable members of the Caddie Hall of Fame include Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, Charles “Chick” Evans, Francis Ouimet, Mike Keiser, Thomas Friedman, the Murray Brothers and Peter Ueberroth.

COMMENTS

  1. Congrats Joe! We met at CogHill in Lemont Illinois when you were caddy for Fred Couples! Such a genuine gentleman!! No one deserves it more! Look forward to seeing you at many more tournaments!😉

  2. Congrats & BEST WISHES Joe – We welcome you to the HOF Joe LaCava – Well deserved. Dennis & Laura Cone ( HOF family & 2011 inductees ) & Team PCA Caddies – Peace & Love to ALL. Hats off to ALL the caddies who walk the grass & help others along the way – As WE are standing on their shoulders – Thanks to The Caddie Network, All Loopers, and their families.

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