Lee Westwood to stick with Mike Kerr, discards Billy Foster
Lee Westwood has decided to permanently part ways with Billy Foster, as he recovers from the crucial knee injuries he suffered in a football match, in the US, back in May.
Foster, one of the best known caddies in the world, had to undergo two surgeries for his knee to be fixed. Presently, he is under a rehab program.
Billy has been with Westwood for a long time. More importantly, he was with the current world number four at every step in his rise to the top in 2011.
However, Lee announced that he will be sticking with Kerr at the start of the next season. Westwood will be starting off with six consecutive tournaments, so it will not be possible to change caddies in between.
Foster was a little disappointed, as they were good mates on and off the field.
"It's been very difficult these last six months – I've been in a dark tunnel," Foster said. "I've only started walking again these last two weeks, so to get the call from Lee just as I was starting to see the light again was unbelievably disappointing and
made it harder to take”.
Westwood's manager Andrew Chandler said, "Lee is at that stage of his career where he has to be a little bit selfish".
He went on to say, "Billy hopes to be fit enough at the start of next year to caddie for one week and then have one week off, but Lee is playing six tournaments in a row starting in Dubai next February".
The impression was that Westwood fired Foster but that has been clarified by Westwood’s company.
They said that Lee did not fire Foster but his decision lies purely on the basis that Billy is currently injured and cannot offer his services.
However, with the class and name that Billy Foster has among the best caddies, he will definitely be offered a tempting job. Foster has worked with the likes of Tiger Woods, Steve Ballesteros and Darren Clarke.
It has been a tough time for Foster, especially the fact he got injured while warming up, he was not even playing. His recovery is going at a smooth pace but there is still time before he can return as a full time caddie on the course.
Kerr is, however, Lee’s third caddie this year. Mike started working with Westwood after the Englishman failed to make the cut at the PGA Championship.
Lee Westwood is still searching for his first major title as he approaches his 40th birthday. The 2013 Masters will be his 60th attempt for a major victory.
The Englishman is said to be the greatest player ever to remain winless at a major tournament.
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