Absent Foster will be with Westwood in spirit (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

The Open: Absent Billy Foster will be with Lee Westwood in spirit

12:04pm Wednesday 18th July 2012 in News

As Lee Westwood tries again to break his major duck this week it is really hurting someone not to be there with him every step of the way.

That person is Bingley caddie Billy Foster, out for the past two months because of torn knee ligaments and pessimistic about his chances of making it back in time for the Ryder Cup.

If Westwood has a chance of winning at Royal Lytham on Sunday, though, Foster is sure he will be making the trip across the Pennines and will probably throw his crutches in the air in delight if the 39-year-old becomes Open champion.

“It’s gut-wrenching not being at The Open, especially working with one of the best in the world,” said Foster.

“It’s been like solitary confinement – there’s only so many times you can watch Sky Sports News.

“But I’ll be watching this week. Lee’s a fantastic player and if he does it he’ll certainly have deserved it.”

Foster, whose injury came in America during a soccer kickabout before a tournament, was with Westwood when he came so close at Turnberry in 2009 and then again at Augusta the following April.

Foster added: “He could and perhaps should have won both.”

The Bingley St Ives member has suffered a recent setback in his recovery when his knee started swelling up again.

“I’m struggling really – it’s not good. I’ve probably overdone it in the pool.”

For the meantime Westwood continues with New Zealander Mike “Sponge” Waite, who has already helped him win in Sweden.

Foster has not ruled out returning for the match against the Americans in late September but it is looking like a race against time.