Tiger Woods’ caddie, Joe LaCava, is “optimistic” the injury-hit golf star will be fit enough to play in this week’s US PGA Championship after being handed an extension to his registration deadline.
Players intending to feature at Valhalla were expected to confirm their place by 5pm on Tuesday but Woods requested an extension and it was granted.
He now has until his 8.35am local start time on Thursday, just 10 minutes before the tournament begins, to decide and is expected to use the full time to evaluate his options.
The 38-year-old jarred his back during the fourth round of last weekend’s WGC-Bridgestone Invitational and was forced to withdraw.
It is the latest injury problem for the American, who also pulled out of the Honda Classic in March before undergoing surgery on his back later that month.
But caddie LaCava remains hopeful Woods will recover in time to feature in the final major of 2014.
“I’m optimistic,” LaCava told reporters. “I’m hoping he plays. So I’m just doing whatever work I would normally do.”
Woods is yet to arrive at Valhalla but LaCava has spent the last two days scouting the course with a yardage book.
The 14-time major winner has won the US PGA on four occasions, his most recent victory coming in 2007.
Due to the injury doubts, he is 24.10 to make that five this year in Louisville.
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