‘Emperor Caddy’ Rakaba: "Woods' short game performance is 100%, long game is still~"

11 Years with Woods' Caddie: PNC Championship Experience "Driving Distance Will Recover Soon, PGA Tour Return After August Next Year"

'Tiger Woods, the "Golf Emperor," caddy Joe LaCava (center).'

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "Short game performance is 100%."

The 'Emperor Caddie' Joe LaCava is anticipating Tiger Woods' spectacular comeback. On the 27th (Korean time), the American ESPN introduced LaCava's account of accompanying Woods at the PNC Championship. This was Woods' return to the field after a staggering 10 months following a car rollover accident last February. Woods spent three months bedridden and underwent a long period of treatment and rehabilitation using a wheelchair and crutches, making big news by appearing alongside his son Charlie.

In fact, it is surprising that Woods even held a club. LaCava analyzed, "There is still lingering pain, and he is not yet at the level to compete on the PGA Tour," adding, "His driving distance was about 30 to 40 yards shorter than Justin Thomas." He predicted, "He will soon regain his long-hitting power once his physical strength recovers." He also said, "His short game distance control and touch are comparable to his prime," and added, "Woods himself expects to return to tournaments sometime after August next year."

LaCava has been Woods' caddie for 11 years and is truly a key contributor. They first connected in October 2011 at Price.com. Interestingly, he chose the 'setting sun' Woods over the 'rising sun' Dustin Johnson at that time. Fortunately, Woods swept 3 wins in 2012 and 5 wins in 2013. During the four years Woods was away from the tour after back surgery in 2014, LaCava refused all requests to join other players, which further enhanced his reputation.

Woods finally succeeded in his comeback by winning the Tour Championship in September 2018. In April 2019, he achieved his 15th major victory at the Masters, and in October at the Zozo Championship, he tied Sam Snead's PGA Tour record for most wins (82). However, setbacks such as back surgery and the car accident last February left some regrets. LaCava feels the same. This year, he only participated in two tournaments as a temporary caddie for Fred Couples and Patrick Cantlay (both from the USA). He expressed his hope, saying, "I wish for Woods to rise again once more."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.