Joe LaCava and his son, Joe LaCava Jr., will be participating in the Arnold Palmer Invitational together, which marks the first time they will be sharing the same PGA Tour pairing. The elder Joe LaCava is a well-known caddie in the golfing world, having previously worked with Tiger Woods on his bag for a decade, including during Woods’ 2019 Masters victory. Joe LaCava III, also known as Big Joe, is known for his no-nonsense attitude and diehard New York Giants fandom. On the other hand, Joe LaCava IV is a newcomer to the professional golfing scene, having recently transitioned from his role as a surrogate caddie for Charlie Woods.
Joe LaCava IV’s journey to becoming a professional caddie took a unique path, starting with his time at James Madison University where he graduated with a marketing degree. Despite considering a career in insurance, his passion for golf eventually led him to Winged Foot, where he participated in the club’s caddie program. After spending several years with young pro golfers, he eventually landed a caddie position with Joe Highsmith at the beginning of 2025. Highsmith’s victory at the Cognizant Classic secured Signature Event status for both him and LaCava IV, opening up opportunities for higher-paying tournaments.
Following their victory at the Cognizant Classic, Highsmith and LaCava IV made their way to the Arnold Palmer Invitational, where they were surprised to find out that they would be paired with Patrick Cantlay and his caddie, Joe LaCava Sr. This pairing marks a special moment for the LaCava family, as it will be the first time father and son work together on the same PGA Tour pairing. Highsmith praised LaCava IV’s caddying skills, highlighting his ability to keep things light-hearted and enjoyable on the course.
The upcoming rounds at the Arnold Palmer Invitational present an exciting opportunity for Joe LaCava Jr. to showcase his skills as a caddie while having his father watch closely from the sidelines. For Joe LaCava Sr., it will be a cherished moment to spend time with his son inside the ropes and witness him pursue a career in caddying. The family dynamic on the course adds an extra layer of significance to the tournament for the LaCava family, who will be eagerly watching the duo’s performance at Bay Hill.
As Joe LaCava Jr. navigates the Arnold Palmer Invitational alongside his father and fellow caddies, the golfing community will be watching closely to see how the LaCava duo performs together on the course. Their unique journey from caddie program participants to professional caddies on the PGA Tour showcases the diverse paths that individuals can take within the golfing world. The bond between father and son, combined with their shared passion for golf, adds a personal touch to their presence at the tournament, making them a compelling pair to follow throughout the event.
