Professional caddy Billy Foster from Bingley has parted company with Ryder Cup star Darren Clarke after seven-and-half years.

The pair have travelled the world together for major tournaments including Ryder Cups, and Clarke says he had to make the most difficult telephone call of his life to end the partnership.

Foster, who lives in Harden, Bingley, with his wife and two children said: "I have had a bad neck and shoulder injury for some time. I need the time off to get it sorted.

"Being a caddy is a bit like being a football manager - the change might do us both good.

"Darren had a poor season last year. I have been with him for seven-a-half years. I am going to have two or three months off to get myself sorted. I have two little babies so it is nice to be home and have a break from travelling.

"I will be back in the summer - either with Darren or maybe

someone new. I still get on with Darren."

Clarke is making a concerted effort to climb the world rankings and challenge for majors again.

As well as changing caddies, he has also switched back to Butch Harmon - best known as coach to World No 1 Tiger Woods.

The 34-year-old Ulsterman had only one victory last season - the English Open - and has slid to 27th in the world from a career-best ninth.

"There have been some very difficult decisions to make, but last year was very frustrating and I just want to get back to winning ways," he said.

He is flying out this week to link up with Harmon before playing in next week's Buick Invitational in California.

Foster's new caddy is fellow Irishman JP Fitzgerald, who was previously with Ryder Cup team-mate Paul McGinley.