As Collin Morikawa prepares for a pivotal couple of weeks–with the Genesis Scottish Open this week followed by The Open at Royal Portrush (July 17–20)–the two-time major champion has enlisted the services of veteran caddie Billy Foster. Foster joins Morikawa on what’s billed as a temporary arrangement as the player continues his search for a long-term looper solution
The move adds another chapter to a season that’s seen Morikawa searching for the right chemistry and consistency on the course.
“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,” Morikawa said. “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.”
A Caddie With Stories–and Success
Foster is hardly a new name in golfing circles. The 59-year-old Englishman is one of the most revered figures on the fairways, having carried the bag for some of the game’s all-time greats, including Seve Ballesteros, Lee Westwood, Darren Clarke, and most recently, Matt Fitzpatrick. Foster was by Fitzpatrick’s side during his U.S. Open triumph at Brookline in 2022, finally clinching the major title that had eluded him for decades as a caddie.
Beyond his credentials, Foster’s reputation as a storyteller and calming presence is legendary. Speaking ahead of this week’s Scottish Open, Morikawa shared his excitement about the pairing: “It’s going to be a two-week thing as of now, just to fill in…It’s good to see him out here, I know he’s enjoying it, kind of shooting the talk with everyone.” It’s clear that Morikawa sees the partnership as not just tactical, but also as a way to bring renewed energy and joy back into his game.
Speaking His Mind
While his game has been under the spotlight, Morikawa has also found himself fielding intense questions about his frequent caddie changes. Recently, a press conference exchange turned testy when a reporter suggested that Morikawa’s revolving door of caddies indicated deeper issues in his camp. Morikawa bristled at the insinuation, defending both himself and the professionals he’d worked with.
In response to the incident, Morikawa offered a candid perspective on handling scrutiny in professional sports. “I think a lot of us, we live in such a public profile that sometimes you have to think about what you’re going to say,” Morikawa said. “But, at the end of the day, you have to be honest and you have to be yourself. And if that comes off harsh, so be it. But look, I am who I am. You just want to be yourself and, for the most part, you got to stay true to that.”
Chemistry Matters on the Course
Morikawa’s caddie carousel in 2025 has been one of the season’s more intriguing narratives. Earlier this year, he parted ways with long-time caddie J.J. Jakovac, with whom he won both of his major titles. A brief stint with Joe Greiner, formerly on Max Homa’s bag, lasted only five events before they split.
“I think Joe is an amazing caddie, but I think just the way we kind of saw things, or just day to day, how we kind of went about it, we were just a little bit on a different page,” Morikawa said.
Most recently, Morikawa turned to his former University of California teammate K.K. Limbhasut for a few tournaments, including a solid T-8 finish at the Rocket Mortgage Classic.
“I have to explore other options. I knew that coming in,” Morikawa said. “I knew it was going to be a great start and it was going to be a fun thing for me to test out that I knew I put myself in
Through all the changes, Morikawa has emphasized that the relationship between player and caddie goes far beyond carrying clubs and reading putts. “Just because two people are great at what they do doesn’t mean we’re going to be great together,” he explained. The subtle dynamics of communication, trust, and on-course decision-making can spell the difference between contention and frustration.
The Morikawa Approach
Morikawa remains remarkably composed, despite not having a set-and-stone caddie. As he faces links golf’s unique challenges over the next fortnight, he’s approaching his game with a mindset of simplicity and enjoyment. “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,” he said when asked about his goals alongside Foster.
That blend of wanting to enjoy the game while welcoming a bit of pressure could be crucial. The Open demands creativity, patience, and a willingness to adapt to ever-changing conditions. Foster’s encyclopedic knowledge of links golf and decades of experience navigating major championships may provide the extra layer of insight Morikawa needs to recapture the Claret Jug.
Short-Term or Long-Term?
For now, the Morikawa-Foster partnership is slated for a few weeks. Both sides appear content to keep it casual before deciding whether to extend the relationship. Foster, who only recently parted ways with Fitzpatrick, is in no rush to commit long-term unless the chemistry proves undeniable. Meanwhile, Morikawa’s camp continues to evaluate the best path forward as he eyes the FedEx Cup Playoffs and the final major of the year.
Morikawa’s ball-striking remains world-class, but pairing that talent with the right caddie might be the missing ingredient for another major breakthrough. Whether Foster’s stint becomes permanent or remains a memorable two-week chapter, one thing is certain: Morikawa is leaving no stone unturned in his pursuit of greatness.
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