Who Is Tiger Woods Caddie?

With 15 Major wins and a record-equalling 82 on the PGA Tour, Tiger Woods has shared that huge success with just a small number of caddies in a professional career that now stretches well over over a quarter of a century. 

Until recently, his long-time caddie had been Joe LaCava, who Woods had worked with since 2011 after parting ways with Steve Williams. By the time of that split, Woods was closer to 40 than 30 and an apparently endless list of injuries was taking its inevitable toll, but he still had his fair share of success with LaCava by his side.

Despite Woods' regular injury problems, LaCava stuck by his man through the years and he was rewarded as Woods claimed his most memorable win in the era - his 15th Major at the 2019 edition of The Masters, for his fifth Green Jacket.

That relationship continued until 2023, when Woods and LaCava split following The Masters, with the Connecticut man linking up with Patrick Cantlay.

That Major marked the start of the latest spell on the sidelines for Woods as he underwent ankle surgery shortly after his withdrawal from the Augusta National Major.

By November, Woods was deep into preparations for yet another comeback at the Hero World Challenge, but a big question remained: who would be his caddie? That was answered during his press conference before the Albany tournament, where he confirmed it would be his long-time right-hand man Rob McNamara.

Woods said: "I’ve got Rob this week, he’s seen me hit a few shots. As far as next year, I don’t know yet. I don’t think Charlie’s going to be able to caddie. Can’t play hooky that often. I don’t know.

"Honestly, I really don’t know. I was just looking forward to this week and seeing how things turned out. I’m curious to see what 72 holes looks like on the body and my game and then try and set a schedule going forward into next year.”

McNamara has been associated with Woods for years, first in their junior golf days in Southern California and then as a vice president of Woods' company TGR Ventures. He has also been instrumental in helping Woods with his swing, so it makes sense he has turned to him, even on a temporary basis.

Whoever Woods does have as his caddie in 2024 is likely to stay with him for some time if history is a guide. 

As well as his 12-year association with LaCava, Woods had worked alongside New Zealander Steve Williams for 13 years beforehand, which ended when the pair had an acrimonious split. That marked the end of a hugely successful partnership where Woods dominated the game, spending much of that period as World No.1 and winning 13 Majors.

Going back even further was Woods' first caddie as a professional, Mike 'Fluff' Cowan, who he worked with between 1996 and 1999, including his first Major title, when he stormed to victory at the 1997 Masters.

Following that partnership, Woods also had his friend Bryon Bell on the bag for one tournament, and it proved a short but extremely sweet link-up as he won the 1999 Buick Invitational. 

Whether McNamara keeps the job for longer than that is yet to be seen. particularly as Woods has expressed a desire to play as much as a tournament a month in 2024, so it's a case of watch this space to see who he may turn to next.

Who Has Caddied For Tiger Woods?

Tiger Woods began his professional career with Mike 'Fluff' Cowan. After parting ways, Woods turned to his friend Bryon Bell for the 1999 Buick Invitational, which he won. Woods then enjoyed a hugely successful spell with Steve Williams, including 13 Major titles, before turning to Joe LaCava, the highlight of which was Woods' win at the 2019 Masters. Ahead of the 2023 Hero World Challenge, Woods revealed he would have long-term right-hand man Rob McNamara on the bag for the tournament.

Who Is Rob McNamara?

Rob McNamara has been associated with Woods for years, first in their junior golf days and then as a vice president of Woods' company TGR Ventures. He has also helped Woods with his swing and was announced as Woods' caddie for the 2023 Hero World Challenge.

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