Tiger Woods’ caddie has revealed the iconic golfer’s plans for the year, suggesting the 15-time major champion will play a more relaxed schedule ahead of The Masters in 2023.
Woods skipped last month's US Open to ensure he would be fully fit to play at his favourite venue last week, but his return to the Old Course at St Andrews ended in misery as he missed the cut. The 46-year-old wiped away tears amid emotional scenes on the long walk up to the 18th hole on Friday night.
Woods, who won two Claret Jugs at the iconic course, missed the halfway cut at the 150th edition of the world’s oldest major, but he received a stunning standing ovation to recognise his greatness. The living legend refused to acknowledge whether it would be his final Open, but he revealed he certainly felt emotional.
He also ruled out retiring from the sport after his appearance at the 150th Open. While Woods suggested he would play one more event in 2022, his long-term caddie Joe LaCava admitted he wanted to see the American play a slightly more strenuous schedule to get him up to speed before The Masters at Augusta in 2023.
LaCava wants Woods to play three or four tournaments before the first major of 2023 in April, suggesting he could play the Hero World Challenge in December before the PNC Championship alongside son Charlie. The 67-year-old hopes Woods will also compete at the Genesis Invitational before gunning for another coveted green jacket.
“I’ll say, ‘Hey, Tiger, listen. If you’re starting to feel better, maybe in October, November, maybe I’ll come down [to Florida] for a couple weeks, we’ll hang out,” LaCava told The Dan Patrick Show on Thursday. “‘We don’t have to play every day, we don’t have to practice every day. I’ll be there and maybe give you a little motivation.
“‘We’ll go down and play and practice a little bit here and there to get ready for the Hero and get ready for the following year of 2023.’
“We’ll get him ready in any respect that he needs.”
Woods was forced to pull out of the US Open this year after withdrawing during the PGA Championship following his injuries from his horrific car crash outside Los Angeles. The accident led to the 46-year-old suffering a shattered leg, and he underwent extensive rehabilitation to recover.
He secured a sensational return at Augusta and made the cut before the injuries took their toll on his body. Woods tried his best to play at St Andrews but struggled mightily, although he still hopes to continue competing at majors.
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Woods missed the cut and had a tear in his eye as he walked down St Andrews' 18th hole for possibly the final time. The Open traditionally returns to St Andrews every five years, which would suggest the next time the tournament is hosted at the historic course will be in 2027, but an official announcement is yet to be made.
However, Woods quashed speculation regarding retirement even when he has no plans to play in the immediate future. He told reporters: “Maybe something next year. I don’t know. But nothing in the near future.
“This is it. I was just hoping to play this one event this year.”
