[Masters] Woods' Partner... 'Im Sung-jae's Former Caddie'

US Golf Digest Reports Hiring of Bennett
Experience at February Genesis Invitational
Veteran with Kuchar, Johnson, Haas, and Riley

The 'Golf Emperor' Tiger Woods (USA) has chosen a veteran caddie.

Tiger Woods (right) is seen working with caddie Lance Bennett during the first round of the Genesis Invitational last February.

On the 6th (Korean time), the American golf media Golf Digest reported, "Woods has decided to hire Lance Bennett, who caddied for him at the Genesis Invitational in February this year, as his caddie for the upcoming major tournament, the Masters." Bennett has worked as a caddie for Matt Kuchar, Zach Johnson, and Bill Haas (all from the USA), and recently carried the bags for Im Sung-jae and Davis Riley (USA). He also briefly worked as a caddie on the LPGA Tour.

Regarding Bennett during the Genesis Invitational, Woods said, "We have maintained a good relationship for a long time. We played together on the same team at the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup," adding, "He is a realistic and loyal caddie. I felt that his way of reading golf courses and putting was similar to mine." He continued, "Working together is truly amazing," emphasizing, "We expect to be a great team."

Woods is well known for not frequently changing his caddie. Since his professional debut, Mike Cowan and Steve Williams have long carried Woods' caddie bag. Since 2011, Joe LaCava has been his caddie. LaCava will serve as Patrick Cantlay's (USA) caddie at this year's Masters.

This year's Masters will be held on the 11th at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta National, Georgia, USA. Woods has appeared on the Masters stage 25 times until last year and has worn the green jacket five times. He is not currently in perfect physical condition. His only participation this year was at the Genesis Invitational, where he withdrew after the first round due to illness. He is currently focusing on regaining his physical condition.