On Thursday afternoon at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, there will be an interesting scene at the first tee. Joe LaCava, with his trusty golf bag slung over his shoulder, will be getting set for the round, but this time, a unique scenario adds a twist to the routine.
Which Joe LaCava is in question here? Well, come Thursday and Friday at the API, the focus — at least for a community back in the New York metro area — will be on the dynamic group of Patrick Cantlay and Joe Highsmith. But there’s a special reason to watch this pairing: It’s all about their caddies, Joe LaCava III and his son, Joe IV, who will walk the course together professionally for the first time on the PGA Tour.
Chances are you’ve heard the LaCava name before. Joe LaCava Sr. has made quite a mark as a caddie, with a no-nonsense style originating from Newtown, Connecticut. He climbed the ranks in the golf world alongside Fred Couples and famously spent a decade on Tiger Woods’ bag, capping off with the memorable 2019 Masters win. In 2023, LaCava started working with Patrick Cantlay full-time. Being a diehard New York Giants fan, LaCava can often be spotted at tournaments sporting his beloved team’s colors under his caddie bib.
His son, Joe LaCava IV, is just entering the professional scene. Since the start of 2025, he has teamed up with his friend Joe Highsmith, which has led him all the way to Highsmith’s first triumph at the Cognizant Classic last week. Those keen on the golf scene might recognize Joe IV. He’s become quite well-known, having caddied for Charlie Woods during the annual PNC Championship.
Joe IV’s journey to becoming a professional caddie wasn’t exactly straightforward. After spending four years at James Madison University and earning a marketing degree, he considered a career in insurance. However, golf kept calling him back. At Winged Foot, he spent several years in the caddie program and stayed connected with upcoming pro golfers, including Highsmith, who invited him to join at the start of the 2025 season.
“It’s a bit like what it was with Fred and me back in ’90,” LaCava Sr. shared with SI over the weekend. “I did four weeks on the West Coast, and Fred didn’t say much about the job. But after LA, he just said, ‘See you in Florida.’”
When Highsmith bagged consecutive rounds of 64 last weekend to clinch the Cognizant Classic, it wasn’t just the player who saw his life change. Joe IV secured a year’s salary and helped Highsmith earn Signature Event status for the rest of the 2025 season. This achievement means Joe IV will get to participate in high-stakes tournaments — bringing him closer to his father, both professionally and personally.
After the win, Highsmith and LaCava made the short trip from West Palm to Bay Hill to dive into their next challenge. Soon after they arrived, they got news that they’d be playing the first two rounds with familiar faces—Patrick Cantlay and Joe Sr.
Father and son are set to hit the course together at 1:30 p.m. ET Thursday afternoon at Bay Hill, an occasion the whole LaCava family won’t want to miss. For LaCava Sr., it’s a wonderful chance to share the course with his son. For LaCava Jr., it represents an opportunity to carve out his own path in the career that runs in the family.
“He’s a great caddie,” Highsmith said after winning at the Cog. “He’s skilled at the job and blends right in with the guys. We have a good time out there, and he keeps things light.”
As Thursday afternoon at the Arnold Palmer Invitational rolls around, LaCava IV will be eager to build on the good times—and knowing that his dad will be there cheering him on might just make it seem a little easier.
