Joe Pyland
By Bob Verdi
Boo Weekley’s caddie has a real appreciation for life inside the ropes. Time in Iraq will do that .
Sure, Joe LaCava has fun working for Fred Couples, but Joe Pyland’s job as Boo Weekley’s bag man is a blast, too–although it’s not his most important job ever.
Grillroom: How did you and Boo hook up?
Pyland: He was three years ahead of me at Milton (Fla.) High School. I looked up to him because he was a great golfer. I dreamed of doing what he does. Wasn’t good enough.
When did you start together?
At a Hooters Tour event, early ’06. After I got back from the service. He was just on the outside of the Nationwide Tour, which he finally made, and he’s never looked back.
Did you ever imagine Boo would make it big?
Yes, sir. Just a matter of time till he got his confidence. And after a few tournaments, I said to myself, “This is what I want to do … this is my career.”
It wasn’t easy climbing the ladder.
No. We roomed together for a while. He’s a good roomy. Very neat, doesn’t iron. But I snore. So he kicked me out.
You went to Iraq?
Twice. Enlisted in the Army, then went back as a civilian contractor. PGA Tour is almost like the Army. Players are like the officers, caddies are like the enlisted men.
Dream job?
For me, yeah. You can see why people like Boo. And he’s great with soldiers. He did a clinic for them at the Masters. I was at a bar in Augusta and a couple of them came up to me saying Boo was unbelievable. Good heart.
Ryder Cup?
You know, when Boo wants something like he wanted that, he really plays hard. I didn’t know about his Happy Gilmore thing, though, until later that Sunday night. I was walking ahead on the first fairway.
You don’t talk much about Iraq.
It’s tough. People over here don’t understand how tough. Wouldn’t wish it on anybody. But people also don’t hear about good things we’ve done over there.
You probably appreciate the golf life more than most.
Absolutely. When people think winning the Ryder Cup was big, that’s true. But the proudest thing I’ve done is enlist in the Army and wear that uniform, serving my country.
Joe, I know how you feel about serving our country. I did four years in the infantry and feel it was the best thing I have done. I enjoy watching you and Boo on the course. I got a chance to see you guys at Quail Hollow this year. It was my first PGA tour. Hang in there and keep Boo straight.
Hey Joe! Long time no see man! Good to see you doing something you love (More than being a supply SGT.) Been trying to get in touch with you for a while just to check in with you. Hope all is as well as it looks. Give me a shout sometime!
Hugh
Superbetle@aol.com
Joe,
Wondering if you could help answer a few questions for me or possibly get Boo to email me. I tried to leave an message for Boo but Im not sure if he will read it (or you will either) LOL My husband came home from Iraq this past June. We were at the PGA Championship this summer in Chaska and I was able to speak to Boo just for a sec.. My husband has an offer to Sawgrass this spring and he plans on trying for Q School next year. Just wondering if you or Boo would email me and answer few questions for us… Would appreciate it so very much. Thank you for your service.. mine was in 20 years. Tanya Missinak2006@yahoo.com