Published: 16:35, April 9, 2020 | Updated: 04:57, June 6, 2023
Tiger Woods and caddie sued by spectator over alleged 2018 incident
By Reuters

In this April 14, 2019 photo, Tiger Woods prepares to play a shot on the fifth hole alongside caddie Joe LaCava during the final round of the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. (DAVID CANNON / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / AFP)

A Florida man has filed a lawsuit against Tiger Woods and his caddie Joe LaCava alleging he sustained injuries after LaCava shoved him when he tried to take a selfie with the golfer in the background at a tournament in 2018.

Brian Borruso is seeking more than US$30,000 in damages

According to the civil complaint, which was filed on Tuesday in Pinellas County, Florida, Brian Borruso alleges the incident took place during the third round of the Valspar Championship at Innisbrook after Woods’s tee shot landed near him.

Borruso, who is seeking more than US$30,000 in damages, says he stumbled and fell into the crowd of spectators after being shoved by LaCava, ultimately causing injuries he described in the lawsuit as “permanent or continuing.”

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Woods, who was competing in only his fourth PGA Tour event after a long layoff following spinal fusion surgery in April 2017, was named as a defendant because he employs LaCava, who last year was inducted into the Caddie Hall of Fame.

Both the agent and spokesman for 15-times major champion Woods did not immediately respond to Reuters when asked to comment. LaCava could not be reached for comment.

The lawsuit says United States Golf Association rules state golfers are responsible for their caddie’s actions during a round and that Woods “failed in his duty as he freely allowed” LaCava to negligently use force.