The official tee times for The Open at Royal Troon have brought two old friends together.

The announcement of the official tee times for The Open at Royal Troon has set the stage for an intriguing reunion between two old friends. Tiger Woods, one of golf’s most legendary figures, is set to compete alongside his former caddie, Joe LaCava, marking their first encounter on the course since their professional split.

 

In a twist of fate, Woods will tee off at Royal Troon this Thursday afternoon in a star-studded group that includes Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay, the latter now benefitting from LaCava’s expertise. LaCava, who ended his 12-year partnership with Woods in 2023 to join Cantlay full-time, will once again share the fairways with his former employer, albeit from a different vantage point.

 

Despite the mutual respect that remains between Woods and LaCava, the latter’s tenure has not been without controversy. Last year, during the Ryder Cup, LaCava found himself at the center of a heated exchange involving Rory McIlroy. McIlroy, a four-time major champion, was infuriated by LaCava’s exuberant celebrations following a crucial birdie putt by Cantlay in the final match.

 

McIlroy recounted his frustration to the Irish Independent, detailing how he felt undermined by LaCava’s actions. “My relationship with Cantlay is average at best. We don’t have a ton in common and we see the world quite differently,” McIlroy explained. “But when I saw he was getting stick on the 17th and 18th greens, I tried to quieten the crowd for him. And I don’t think Fitz (Matt Fitzpatrick) and I were afforded the same opportunity to try and hole those putts to halve the match.”

 

The tension reached a boiling point as McIlroy felt a surge of anger while walking back to the locker room, prompting an internal monologue of injustice. “I shook Joe’s hand, and Patrick’s hand. As I’m walking back to the locker room I can feel this red mist coming over me. ‘No! That wasn’t right.'”

 

In the aftermath, Shane Lowry had to intervene to prevent McIlroy from confronting the USA team in their locker room. Although LaCava attempted to make amends by texting McIlroy the following morning, the offer to ‘clear the air’ was left unanswered by the still-fuming Northern Irishman.

 

Further efforts to mediate were made by caddie Ricky Elliott and coach Claude Harmon III, but McIlroy remained resolute in his displeasure. He confided in them, saying, “Joe LaCava used to be a nice guy when he was caddying for Tiger and now he’s caddying for that d*** he’s turned into an a**.”

 

As The Open commences, all eyes will be on this electrifying reunion. Will past tensions resurface, or will the professionalism and camaraderie that once defined the Woods-LaCava partnership prevail? The golfing world waits with bated breath.