‘I’ll have a liver like a football’: Matt Fitzpatrick’s caddie hilariously describes his post-Open plans

Billy Foster

Billy Foster is ready to party after helping Matt Fitzpatrick win the 2022 U.S. Open.

Getty Images

Matt Fitzpatrick wasn’t the only person to claim his first major title on Sunday at the U.S. Open.

Fitzpatrick’s caddie, Billy Foster, has been a Tour bagman for four decades. His client list includes a who’s-who of European greats like Seve Ballesteros, Thomas Bjorn, Darren Clarke, Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia, and even a short stint with Tiger Woods.

Foster and Fitzpatrick have worked together since 2018. Despite logging dozens of victories with his various players over the years — including two with Fitzpatrick — Foster had never been on the bag for a major win. Until Sunday.

Billy Foster
Billy Foster found it hard to watch Will Zalatoris’ putt to force a playoff. Getty Images

When Fitzpatrick tapped in for his par on the 18th hole at The Country Club, Foster couldn’t even watch Will Zalatoris’ putt, which would force a playoff if it went in. Instead, Foster covered his face with his hat. When Zalatoris missed, Fitzpatrick squeezed Foster’s shoulder and the celebration began.

Foster was visibly emotional, and took a moment to kiss the 18th-hole flag.

In a post-round interview with ESPN’s Michael Collins, Foster explained what he was experiencing on the green.

“Normally people have a monkey on their back. But I had a gorilla on my back,” Foster said. “It was doin’ me head in.

“I can’t even think about being happy and excited,” he continued. “It’s just … [heavy sigh] … utter relief.”

With that relief comes plenty of joy, and one of the most entertaining parts of Collins’ chat with Foster was when Foster revealed his post-Open plans.

“Let me tell you, tonight, and next week, I think I’ll have a liver like a football,” Foster said, as Collins laughed. “There’ll be a big party goin’ on tonight and all next week.”

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As a four-year member of Columbia’s inaugural class of female varsity golfers, Jessica can out-birdie everyone on the masthead. She can out-hustle them in the office, too, where she’s primarily responsible for producing both print and online features, and overseeing major special projects, such as GOLF’s inaugural Style Is­sue, which debuted in February 2018. Her origi­nal interview series, “A Round With,” debuted in November of 2015, and appeared in both in the magazine and in video form on GOLF.com.