Who Has Caddied For Tiger Woods Throughout His Career?
From Mike Cowan to Steve Williams, the 15-time Major winner has utilized a handful of caddies throughout his long and successful career


Tiger Woods has been a professional golfer since 1996, but in all of that time, the legendary figure has only worked with a handful of caddies. Two of them were with Woods for over a decade, although there was one who enjoyed the overwhelming majority of the American's success.
In terms of an assistant, the consistency of Woods' early days has made way for a variety of loopers in recent years - not helped by his recent injuries and lack of playing time as a consequence. The article below runs through everyone to have carried Woods' bag since his pro debut in 1996.
Mike 'Fluff' Cowan (1996-1999)
Mike Cowan caddied for CT Pan at the 2024 WM Phoenix Open
Mike 'Fluff' Cowan has been a professional caddie since 1976, but it was not until 1996 that he reached a completely new level of fame. Having already carried the bag of Ed Sabo (1976-78) and Peter Jacobsen (1978-1996), 'Fluff' was immortalized when he took over as Woods' looper.
Cowan debut alongside Woods at the 1996 Greater Milwaukee Open and stayed with him until 1999 before moving on to work with Jim Furyk. In their four years together, Woods and Cowan won eight times - including the 1997 Masters, Woods' first Major championship.
'Fluff' later went on to win the 2003 US Open with Furyk and also caddied for 13-year-old Michelle Wie during one tournament while Furyk was injured. In total, he served at 11 Ryder Cups for Woods, Furyk, Jacobsen, and Fred Couples.
Steve Williams (1999-2011)
Steve Williams caddied for Tiger Woods for 13 of his 15 Major victories
Steve Williams' caddie resume includes names such as Greg Norman, Adam Scott, and Jason Day - but the most impressive of them all was Tiger Woods. The New Zealander spent the best part of 13 years assisting and defending Woods on and off the course, with an average of one Major victory per year together highlighting what an awesome partnership it was.
Having caddied for now LIV Golf CEO Norman between 1982-89, Williams spent a a decade alongside Raymond Floyd (1989-99) before being approached by Woods' then coach Butch Harmon about the possibility of becoming the young hotshot's new looper.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
A long drive down to Florida and an interview with Woods saw Williams hired on the spot, and they consequently went on to secure 63 professional victories together - as well as the majority of Woods' Major titles.
Following the pair's split in 2011, Williams moved on to working for Adam Scott until 2017. The pair won Scott's one and only Major at The Masters in 2013, while there were also five PGA Tour victories along the way.
After being let go by Scott in 2018, Williams spent a year on the bag of LPGA Tour player, Danielle Kang before working for Day in 2019.
Joe LaCava (2011-2023)
Tiger Woods (right) and Joe LaCava
LaCava began his career as a caddie in 1987 working for his cousin, Ken Green before being picked up by Fred Couples in 1990. They managed 11 PGA Tour victories and a win at the 1992 Masters prior to LaCava moving on. And prior to becoming Woods' third long-term caddie, LaCava performed bagman duties for Davis Love III, Justin Leonard, and Dustin Johnson.
But it was with Woods that LaCava enjoyed his most successful period, helping the Californian to 11 wins - the most notable of all was Woods' fifth green jacket at the 2019 Masters.
Since leaving Woods' side in 2023, LaCava has caddied for Patrick Cantlay - infamously remembered for the 'hatgate' controversy at the 2023 Ryder Cup at Marco Simone.
Bryon Bell, Billy Foster, Sam Woods, Rob McNamara
Charlie Woods (far left), Tiger Woods (second right), and Sam Woods (far right) at the 2023 PNC Championship
While the three aforementioned caddies have been a key part of Woods' journey so far, the 15-time Major winner has also employed a handful of other close friends or family to carry his bag at times.
Friend Bryon Bell filled in for a brief period between Williams and LaCava in 2011, six years after Billy Foster - the long-time caddie of Matt Fitzpatrick, Seve Ballesteros, Lee Westwood, and Darren Clarke - performed looper duties at the 2005 Presidents Cup.
Daughter Sam was Tiger's caddie at the 2023 PNC Championship as Charlie Woods played alongside. And Woods' long-time friend and business partner, Rob McNamara carried his bag at the 2023 Hero World Challenge as Woods made his professional comeback.
Lance Bennett was the latest person to be named as Woods' caddie, being given the gig ahead of the 2024 Genesis Invitational.
Name | Time | Major Wins |
Mike 'Fluff' Cowan | 1996-1999 | 1 |
Steve Williams | 1999-2011 | 13 |
Joe LaCava | 2011-2022 | 1 |
Jonny Leighfield is our Staff News Writer who joined Golf Monthly just in time for the 2023 Solheim Cup and Ryder Cup. He graduated from the University of Brighton with a degree in Sport Journalism in 2017 and spent almost five years as the sole sports reporter at his local newspaper. During his time with Golf Monthly, Jonny has interviewed several stars of the game, including Robert MacIntyre, Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, and Joaquin Niemann. An improving golfer himself, Jonny enjoys learning as much about the game as he can and recently reached his Handicap goal of 18 for the first time. He attended both the 150th and 151st Open Championships and dreams of attending The Masters one day.
-
'I Think We All Hoped It Would Have Been A Little Further Long, And That's No Secret' - Brooks Koepka's Echoes Recent Tough Love Towards LIV Golf
The five-time Major champion said progress is being made with the PIF-backed circuit after stating it was "quite far behind" its rivals on The Joe Pomp Show
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
How You Can Play St Andrews Old Course In Reverse
You can win a tee time on the 'reversed' Old Course at St Andrews next year by shooting the lowest gross score over the virtual links this April
By Elliott Heath Published
-
'I Can't Believe I'm Saying This' - Tiger Woods Hints At Shock Augusta Appearance Before Revealing True State Of His Achilles In April Fools Joke
Woods was apparently keen not to miss out on the whimsical nature of April 1 by posting a playful update on his recovery from Achilles surgery
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
'The People Can’t Get Enough Of Him. We Can’t Get Enough Of Him. It Would Be Sad That He Wouldn’t Come Back Here And Play In The Future' - Major Champions Call On Tiger Woods To Become 'Ceremonial' Masters Player Once He Retires
Two-time US Open winners Andy North and Curtis Strange responded to questions about Tiger Woods' future in golf prior to the 89th Masters tournament
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
'Tiger Did Some Stuff In 2000...But Scottie’s Year Was The Best We’ve Ever Seen' - Bubba Watson Sparks Debate With Controversial Scheffler Claim
Bubba Watson has sparked a huge golfing debate after claiming Scottie Scheffler's 2024 season was better than Tiger Woods' all-conquering 2000 campaign
By Paul Higham Published
-
‘It’s The Craziest Thing In The History Of Sport What Tiger Woods Did’ - Brandel Chamblee Questions 15-Time Major Winner’s Swing Changes During Peak Of Career
Speaking on the Dan on Golf podcast, Chamblee claimed that Woods' move to coach, Hank Haney, in 2004 was one of the 'craziest things in the history of sport'
By Matt Cradock Published
-
'Love Is In The Air' - Tiger Woods Announces Relationship With Vanessa Trump
The 15-time Major winner announced on social media that he and Vanessa Trump are together
By Elliott Heath Published
-
'He's In Great Spirits' - Fred Couples Issues Upbeat Bulletin On Tiger Woods As He Starts Latest Recovery
Tiger Woods is "in great spirits" as he starts his latest injury comeback from a ruptured Achilles - according to close friend Fred Couples
By Paul Higham Published
-
Report: Work On Tiger Woods Biopic To Begin - With Barack Obama's Film Company Involved
A film about the life and career of Tiger Woods is reportedly in the works, with Barack Obama's production company likely to be involved
By Paul Higham Published
-
Is It Finally Time For Tiger Woods To Walk Away From Professional Golf?
The 15-time Major winner faces another long spell on the sidelines after undergoing achilles surgery
By Elliott Heath Published