LaCava leaves Johnson to caddie for Woods

Tiger Woods has hired Joe LaCava to be his third full-time caddie. LaCava decided to leave Dustin Johnson, one of the most talented young Americans, to go to work for the former world No1, who hasn’t won in the last two years.

According to a story posted on Woods’ website Sunday night, LaCava approached Woods and his agent, Mark Steinberg, about the job. “This was an important decision, and I wanted to think about it carefully,” Woods said in the story. “Also, out of deference for the FedEx Cup play-offs, I decided to wait until they were concluding to have substantive talks. We then spoke to Joe and came to an agreement.

“Joe is an outstanding caddie and I have known him for many years. I’ve personally seen the great job he did for Freddie [Couples]. I’m anxious for us to be working together.”

David Winkle, Johnson’s agent at Hambric Sports Management, confirmed LaCava was going to work for Woods and a search for a new caddie would begin immediately. “Needless to say, Dustin and I were completely surprised, as they have enjoyed a great relationship and have been very successful together,” Winkle said. “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.”

LaCava was the long-time caddie for Couples, a relationship that ended in the summer because Johnson was looking for a caddie and Couples’ playing schedule was being reduced because of his health.

Swing coach Butch Harmon recommended LaCava to Johnson and said on Sunday night he was “disappointed” by the way the move happened. “The thing that bothered me the most was TW not calling Dustin and asking if he could talk to Joe,” said Harmon, who used to work with Woods. “That’s the way it’s done. I’m a little disappointed with the way Tiger handled it. But I’m not surprised.”

Woods fired Steve Williams after nearly 13 years this summer after Williams worked for Adam Scott while Woods was recovering from a knee injury. One source said LaCava informed Johnson of his decision after the final round of the Tour Championship.

LaCava was flying home and could not be immediately reached. Johnson is on his was to Scotland for the Dunhill Links Championship, where he planned to take a couple of friends to caddie for him and his brother, Austin, his amateur partner in the event.

Johnson won The Barclays last month with LaCava on the bag, and the news was a surprise. However, LaCava has two children, ages 12 and 14, and is anxious to spend more time at home.

Johnson is also considering taking up European Tour membership next year, which would mean about four additional tournaments overseas. Woods, even when fully healthy, plays a limited schedule.

The question is whether Woods can make this a profitable move for LaCava. Woods hasn’t won in more than two years on the PGA Tour, and he did not qualify for the FedEx Cup play-offs this year.

Woods next plays at the Frys.com Open in two weeks at CordeValle, about an hour south of San Francisco.

He is also playing the Australian Open and the Presidents Cup, a competition that will feature all of his caddies – Mike Cowan (now with Jim Furyk) and Williams, who works for Scott.