A PGA caddy for nearly three decades, LaCava first spent several years caddying for his cousin, the mercurial champion Ken Green, then came more than two decades on the bag of easygoing golf icon, Fred Couples. After a brief stint with Dustin Johnson, LaCava signed on with Tiger Woods in October 2011. To say that he's caddied for contrasting personalities would be an understatement.
Obviously, this is a man with high emotional intelligence... and the ability to read people as well as he reads putts... and that's what's allowed him to become a valued asset to such a diverse group of players.
This morning LaCava wove a narrative, with a dozen or more interconnected stories. They touched upon the joys and challenges of a job that's quite enigmatic to most of the population. It was plain to see that Joe LaCava enjoyed sharing his stories... he's naturally garrulous and open... and the audience clearly enjoyed the glimpse he gave them into his unique lifestyle.
Meanwhile the Third Annual Friends of Richter Park fundraiser breakfast was very well attended, and we're looking forward to getting back onto our wonderful town course for the season. In addition to the golf course Richter Park is home to a performing arts center, tennis courts, a network of hiking trails and an excellent restaurant... it's a multi-faceted recreational/arts destination.
I saw Ken Green play at the Masters in 86 when he finished the first round in a tie for the lead. That was before he took his cousin on I guess because his caddie then was his sister! You better believe that got a lot of attention at Augusta National. In the end Green didn't hold up, but I remember thinking what a talented and unique player he was, definitely a strong personality.It's a shame he had so much tragedy in his life and probably never got to reach his full potential but it's nice to see that his cousin has done so much. I wish them both well.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to hear about Joe and the fact you have a park like that is one of the hubs of a community. I think I just mentioned to you my family has a connection to a community course and park in a similar vein. Has Joe thought of writing a memoir of his years in the game?
DeleteOh, I'm quite sure Joe will eventually do a memoir, he has great stories and seems to really enjoy telling them. He's very protective of his players though, so I'm certain it would reflect that.
DeleteInteresting, too, that he's from Newtown. Wonder what his gun stance is, or if he still has connections with any of the affllicted?
ReplyDeleteJoe has spoken about the Newtown tragedy, like everyone in the region... and beyond... he was profoundly affected by it.
Deletehttp://espn.go.com/espnw/news-commentary/article/9493099/newtown-native-joe-lacava-cannot-forget-awful-tragedy-happened-hometown-golf
thanks for sharing this story
ReplyDeletefrankDftLiquordaleSOFLA33316