Billy Foster is a name that many golf fans will know. With a career spanning over four decades, he’s caddied for some of the game’s greatest names in the sport, including Seve Ballesteros, Darren Clarke, Thomas Bjorn, Sergio Garcia, Matt Fitzpatrick and the legendary Tiger Woods.
With probably one of the strongest resumes in the game, there’s no doubt the charismatic northerner has endless stories and memorable moments. But there’s one moment in his career that stands out the most, and it’s one that six million people worldwide watched live.
After talking through his hardest, easiest and favourite hole at Wentworth, Billy Foster told Golf Today that the most memorable moment of his career was embracing Darren Clarke after winning the 2006 Ryder Cup at the K Club, just six weeks after Clarke’s wife had passed away.
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“There’s been so many special moments. Winning the US Open with Fitzy (Fitzpatrick) after 40 years of caddying and not expecting to win won was very special, but I’d say my favourite moment was hugging Darren Clarke having won the 2006 Ryder Cup six weeks after his wife had passed away,” said Foster.
“It was a really emotional moment and it’ll stay with me forever”
After being picked as a wild card by European Team Captain Ian Woosnam, the Northern Irishman made the difficult decision to play just six weeks after his wife Heather had passed away from cancer. And, with the unparalleled support of both the European and United States team, performed as an exemplary professional.
Clarke, despite the circumstances, recorded a spectacular 3-0-0 as Europe thumped the USA 18 1/2 – 9 1/2. After holding back his emotions on the course, the final putt brought a wave of relief, sadness, and jubilation for the Northern Irishman, as he shared a heartfelt embrace with his trusted caddy, Billy Foster.
To this day, it remains one of the greatest and most special moments in Ryder Cup history.
