Collin Morikawa explains game plan as he turns to caddie ‘legend’ ahead of The Open
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2021 Champion Golfer Collin Morikawa has been chopping and changing his bagman in recent weeks. Now he’s turned to one of the most experienced in the game…
Billy Foster is back doing what he does best – caddying for one of best golfers at the biggest tournaments.
Foster, who parted ways with Matt Fitzpatrick after a six-year stint on the Englishman’s bag, was spotted on the range alongside Collin Morikawa ahead of this week’s Genesis Scottish Open.
TG reached out to Foster, who confirmed he will be on the bag for next week’s Open Championship at Royal Portrush as well.
Talking to reporters later, Morikawa confirmed that “it’s going to be a two-week thing as of now, just to fill in”.
He added: I was trying to think about who would be available and then a couple of people brought his name up and what a legend he is. I mean, the stories he’s had, the people he’s caddied for. Yesterday out playing, he told me some good Seve stories and I’m very lucky to have someone like that to be able to hop on the bag for a couple of weeks and just enjoy it.
“You know, we’ve got a very simple game plan these next two weeks. One, go and have fun. And two, just be simple, execute the shots. At the end of the day, that’s what golf is. So, hopefully, we can enjoy these two weeks as much as we can. It’s good to see him out here, I know he’s enjoying it, kind of shooting the talk with everyone.”
Then, jokingly, Morikawa said: “I feel like I’ve got more pressure on me with him on the bag. It’s really good.”
Morikawa has been struggling to get over the line in recent months. Indeed, he has only won twice since his Open triumph at Royal St George’s in 2021 – the DP World Tour Championship later that year, and the 2023 Zozo Championship which remains his most recent title.
His winless run led to him separating from his long-term caddie, JJ Jakovac, earlier this year, before putting Joe Greiner – who had just parted ways with Max Homa – on the bag. That relationship, though, only lasted a few weeks, and the American had his friend, Korn Ferry Tour player KK Limbhasut, by his side in his last start at the Rocket Classic.
Foster has caddied for a number of household names in his five decades on tour, including Seve Ballesteros, Lee Westwood and Darren Clarke, but it wasn’t until the 2022 US Open that he finally got over the line in a major championship, with Fitzpatrick’s victory at the US Open sparking emotional scenes on the 72nd green at Brookline.
The 59-year-old has also caddied in 15 Ryder Cups since his first in 1987 – missing only 1995 and 2012 in that time.
If Morikawa hasn’t settled on a full-time bagman come September, don’t rule anything out…
