Collin Morikawa and the United States Ryder Cup team have received a clear message as the tournament approaches this September in New York. Morikawa’s caddie, Billy Foster, who is currently assisting him at the Scottish Open, has spoken out about the complexities of loyalty and rivalry as the Ryder Cup nears, highlighting the tension that could arise during the much-anticipated event.
Foster’s involvement with Morikawa, an American player, during the Scottish Open and the upcoming Open Championship has sparked some teasing from fans, due to Foster’s deep ties with European golf through his home base in Leeds. Despite the jokes branding him as a ‘traitor,’ Foster was clear about where his allegiances lie when it comes to Ryder Cup duty.
The delicate balance between caddie loyalty and international rivalry
On talkSPORT Breakfast, Foster addressed the possibility of him continuing to work with Morikawa if the golfer qualifies for the US team at the Ryder Cup. Foster stated that his current role is short-term, covering only the Scottish Open and the Open Championship. However, he expressed a firm boundary regarding Ryder Cup commitments.
“I’m working this week and next week, it’s only a two-week gig with Collin,”
Foster confirmed. He added,
“If by some minor miracle he wins The Open next week and offers me the job, I’d have to say ‘well I’d love to work with you but I could not work the Ryder Cup for America’. Let’s put that on record right now.”
Foster’s reason is rooted in deep-rooted loyalty to Europe, emphasizing that having taken part in 16 Ryder Cups, his support will remain with the European team. He illustrated this with an analogy,
“I’ve done 16 Ryder Cups, you bleed Europe. It would be like me scoring a hattrick for Man United against Leeds.”
Foster praises Morikawa despite the divided loyalties
Despite making clear where his Ryder Cup loyalties lie, Foster spoke highly of Morikawa’s current form at the Scottish Open. As the duo started with a two-under 68 during the first round at North Berwick, the caddie noted several aspects of Morikawa’s game needing attention.
“He’s one of the best iron players out there right now,”
Foster said.
“He’s had issues on the greens with the putting but he looked pretty solid yesterday.”
Foster reflected on specific moments during the round, mentioning,
“A great opening tee shot but I may have played the next when he topped it 100 yards. He played lovely after that but unfortunately finished with a couple of bogeys on the last three holes but two under par, solid start so onwards and upwards hopefully.”
The psychological role and challenges for a caddie
Foster also revealed insights into his role beyond physical game strategy, highlighting the mental and emotional support he provides on the course. He compared caddying to being the navigator for a rally driver, underscoring the significance of timing and communication.
Joking about the variety of players he has worked with, he said,
“I’ve worked so so many types of Psychopaths,”
and added,
“They’re all nutters, every one of them but yeah, you can obviously adjust the mood swings and situations change. It’s part of the job you know you’re the navigator to the rally driver really and you provide the information.”
He emphasized the importance of knowing when to speak and when to remain silent to maintain the player’s positive frame of mind.
“The unexpected can happen at any time. A strong mental attitude is a massive part of the game,”
Foster explained, highlighting the psychological demands in golf that can determine success or failure.
Looking ahead to the Ryder Cup and beyond
With the Ryder Cup less than three months away, this clear statement from Foster underscores the passionate national loyalties that influence player and caddie alignments during the event. While Foster’s current partnership with Morikawa benefits the American as he prepares for major tournaments, the caddie has drawn a distinct line that loyalty to Europe will take precedence in any Ryder Cup scenarios.
This situation reflects the broader intensity of Ryder Cup competition, where personal relationships must sometimes be balanced carefully against deep-rooted national pride and rivalry. Fans and players alike will be watching closely to see how these dynamics play out at the showpiece event in New York this September.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Collin Morikawa the best iron player?
A. People currently seem to have a negative opinion about Collin Morikawa, and that’s understandable. Yet, I believe he’s the world’s second-best iron player. If someone bet me that any golfer except Scottie Scheffler would be better than Morikawa with irons in 2026, I’d confidently choose Morikawa.
Q. Has Collin Morikawa ever won a major?
A. Morikawa has won six PGA Tour events, with two being major championships: the 2020 PGA Championship and the 2021 Open Championship, both at his first try. In May 2018, he was the number one golfer in the World Amateur Golf Ranking for three weeks.
Q. Did Collin Morikawa ever win a major?
A. Morikawa has won on the PGA Tour six times. Among these victories are two major titles: the PGA Championship in 2020 and the Open Championship in 2021. He achieved these wins during his debut appearances at each event.