It takes many things for a man like Billy Foster to admit that failure has brought him to tears. But he says he was in that state – in fact all the way from Sandwich’s home to Yorkshire – after Thomas Bjorn missed the chance to win the 2003 Open. “I’ve been thinking about it every day for six months,” he said. Foster. “It broke my heart.”
Matt Fitzpatrick was rightly praised for his victory at the US Open in Brooklyn, but he felt that even more goodwill was flying towards Foster. One of the most popular golf heroes had broken a duck.
In nearly 40 years of staffing high-ranking golfers such as Seve Balesteros, Lee Westwood, Bjorn and Darren Clark, there has been no victory in the big tournament. More than 40 titles won and a key role in the Ryder Cup moments, which are legendary, but never one of the big four golf titles. The fact that a 27-year-old colleague from Yorkshire gave Foster his moment led to gratitude from the whole sport. The emotional Foster kissed the flag on the 18th hole, while the victory was confirmed by a blow from Will Zalaris, squeezing right next to the hole.
“I’ve seen a lot of my friends earn majors,” Foster said. “I have come so close over the years. Darren had his chances, Thomas in Sandwich, Westy with Mickelson in Masters and a threesome in Turnbury in 2009. He had a lot of heart problems, a lot of scars. After Will’s shot missed, it was just a relief. The gorilla is already out of my back. Not a monkey, a gorilla. “
Foster missed his scheduled flight Sunday night. It was unclear whether he would fly Monday night. “I’m going on holiday on Wednesday, so it’s better to be home by then,” he said.
The connection between Fitzpatrick and Foster is strong. “It means the world to Billy,” said the new US Open champion. “It’s amazing for him. I know it’s something he’s wanted for a long, long, long time. To do so is amazing.
“We ended up working together when I was among the caddies. He had just broken up with Lee and was just training. It’s so much fun. He kept telling me for the first time at work: “I will only spend 25 weeks and maybe get a refill for the others.” I think he had about two weeks off for four years.
Matt Fitzpatrick makes “dream” of winning his first golf major at the US Open come true – video
Fitzpatrick has undoubtedly benefited from Foster’s candor, but there is a softer side of the cedit that he disguises well. Foster was quietly confident of his employer’s chances for the US Open long before the ball was hit. On Sunday, however, there was cause for concern, as Fitzpatrick missed short money hits on the 10th and 11th. At the closing hole, he found sand from the tee before launching a magnificent iron shot, which will be the starting point of the US Open for years to come.
“He plays amazing golf,” Foster added. As he continued to miss five feet, I thought, “Little bastard!” That hit me in the head, because we all know how good a pater he usually is. “What are you doing to me?” I thought he was trying to finish me off.
“What an incredible blow to the 18th. We had different opinions about the T-shirt. He likes to hit the driver on this hole, I like to hit three firewood. He hit three trees and put them in the bunker, and I thought, “Oh, no.” But his recovery was one of the best shots I’ve seen. Thank goodness.
“I’ve always thought Matt was a winner, but I have to admit I didn’t think he would be as good as he is. He’s a lot better than I thought. He has an amazing work ethic, no one works harder. I can definitely see him win more big tournaments. ”
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