'I'm Glad Someone Has Got That Giant Monkey Off My Back' - Foster Reacts To Major Win

After 40 years of caddying, Billy Foster claimed his first Major title, with Matt Fitzpatrick securing a one shot win at the US Open

Fitzpatrick and Foster celebrate following the US Open
(Image credit: Getty Images)

After an unbelievable final day at the US Open, it was Matt Fitzpatrick who came out on top, with a thrilling final round 68 giving him a one shot win over Will Zalatoris.

Picking up his first Major title, Fitzpatrick was obviously emotional. However, someone who perhaps was more emotional was his caddie, Billy Foster who, after 40 years of caddying, finally picked up his first Major win, with the experienced bag man barely able to contain his emotion as Fitzpatrick claimed the victory. 

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Following the win, Foster spoke to Henni Koyack at Sky Sports, with the caddy stating he was: "Unbelievably emotional," and "glad someone has got that giant monkey off my back. Actually, it's more like a b****y gorilla off my back, never mind a monkey!"

Despite claiming a number of titles whilst on the bag for legends of the game, Foster has always been denied that illusive Major. However, thanks to some brilliance from Fitzpatrick, it was an emotional win, with Foster adding: "It means a lot. Lee Westwood, Darren Clarke, Seve, they've had their chances over the years and Bjorn (Thomas Bjorn). I was caddying for him that day when he left it in the bunker at Sandwich and that really hurt. I thought about it for six months and it broke my heart. That has put a lot of bad memories to bed. It means everything!

"I knew that coming here (US Open) he would have another chance and at St Andrews he would have another chance. I knew he was good enough to win a Major and this week he has played unbelievable and he's not putted his best which is incredible really."

Foster and Fitzpatrick hug on the 18th green following Matt's win

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Fitzpatrick becomes the third Englishman to secure the US Open, following in the footsteps of Justin Rose and Tony Jacklin. Not only that, but the 27-year-old joins Jack Nicklaus in becoming only the second player to win the US Amateur and the US Open on the very same course!

Matt Cradock
Staff Writer

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.


Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.


Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?

Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°

Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°

Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°

Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW

Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°

Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x