Tiger Woods is NOT distracted by ex-girlfriend Erica Herman’s lawsuit at this week’s Masters, his caddy Joe LaCava insists – but says the five-time Augusta champ is ‘confused’ and wouldn’t be playing if it was anywhere else
Tiger Woods will be able to ignore any distractions surrounding his breakup with Erica Herman as he once again attempts to pull off the near-impossible this week and win a sixth Masters title.
So says one of the men in the game who knows him best: his caddy, Joe LaCava, who has carried Woods’ bag for nearly 12 years.
Woods heads to Augusta for the first major on the golf calendar with personal issues surrounding him once again.
Ex-girlfriend Herman has alleged sexual abuse in a lawsuit to invalidate a non-disclosure agreement in a $30 million lawsuit against the golfer — allegations Woods has denied — and also alleges he tricked her into buying the Florida mansion. left where they lived together for six years after their October breakup.
But LaCava isn’t worried about Woods being focused on Augusta.
Joe LaCava – caddy for Tiger Woods – has no doubts about his mindset at Augusta this week
Woods is the subject of a lawsuit filed by his ex-girlfriend Erica Herman following their recent split
But Woods is in Augusta this week fighting to win an unlikely sixth green jacket
“When you’re in the spotlight, you always get punched,” he told the New York Post.
“I think Tiger has been through so many different things in the public eye — good, bad, or indifferent — that I’m not saying get used to it, it bothers you either way. But I think he has the mindset that he can deal with (the Herman case), even if it’s in the public eye, and still do what he needs to do on the golf course and at home with his family.
Tiger continues to be well received. We played a practice round on Monday morning and there were still a million people who loved him. There may be one or two guys who are less of a fan, but the majority still love the guy.’
In fact, LaCava admits that Woods’ overall physical condition is more of a concern to him when it comes to success on one of the world’s most grueling courses.
Woods has plantar fasciitis in his right foot and was involved in a brutal car accident in February 2021 that shattered his right leg. More than two years later, LaCava says Woods is still struggling.
“He’s pretty confused,” LaCava said. “If it wasn’t for Augusta, he probably wouldn’t be playing.
“He still has the power, the swing speed, the shots and the length to compete. The injury is devastating, but if he could get a cart, he could compete tomorrow.”
Woods will start the first round at 10:12 a.m. EDT on Thursday along with Norwegian Viktor Hovland and compatriot Xander Schauffele.
Woods has won five Masters titles in his career, most recently in 2019
Woods admitted earlier on Tuesday that this could be his last appearance at the Masters
LaCava admitted that Woods is not in the best physical shape ahead of the tournament
Earlier on Tuesday, Woods hinted there’s a chance this year could be his final appearance at The Masters.
“I don’t know how many I have left in me,” he said. “I’m very lucky to have the leg.
‘Mobility and stamina – it will never be the same in the future. I can’t prepare and play as many tournaments as I’d like, but that’s okay and I’m okay with it.
“To be able to come here to play at Augusta National, it’s such a special place. It means so much to me in my heart to be able to play this golf course.
“Just to appreciate the memories I’ve had here, whether it’s competitions, practice runs — so much of my life has been here at Augusta National.”