Matt Fitzpatrick’s disappointing start to the 2025 golf season has led to a surprising split from his longtime caddie, Billy Foster. The decision was confirmed through a social media post from Foster, who suggested that Fitzpatrick initiated the change.
A difficult performance at the Players Championship, where Fitzpatrick shot rounds of 78 and 72 to miss the cut by a wide margin, compounded his struggles this year. Across six PGA Tour events in 2025, his best finish has been a tie for 22nd. Foster had originally planned to be on his bag for only about half of the tournaments this season, including the upcoming Masters, but the partnership has come to an abrupt end.
Reflecting on the decision, Foster expressed gratitude for their time together. “After six great years, all good things come to an end,” he shared. “This game never stops frustrating and infuriating you. Unfortunately, times change, and when results aren’t good enough, it’s usually the caddie or the coach who has to accept it. When you stop enjoying what you are doing, it’s time for a change. Thanks, Matt. We had a great run, and who knows where the next chapter will go. Onwards and upwards.”
Foster has had an illustrious career, having worked alongside legends such as Seve Ballesteros, Lee Westwood, and Darren Clarke. However, for much of his time as a caddie, he had never been on the bag of a major champion. That changed in 2022 when Fitzpatrick secured a dramatic victory at the U.S. Open at Brookline. The triumph was deeply meaningful for both, with Fitzpatrick praising Foster as the greatest caddie of all time. “This means the world to Billy,” he said after the win. “It’s unbelievable for him. I know it’s something he’s wanted for a long, long, long time. To do it is incredible.”
Since then, Fitzpatrick has managed a single win each on the DP World Tour and PGA Tour but has not capitalized on his major breakthrough as many anticipated. His ranking has slipped to 61st in the world, and his chances of making another Ryder Cup team later this year appear uncertain. The decision to part ways with Foster raises questions about whether the experienced caddie could have helped him regain his form, though Foster is unlikely to be without work for long.
Meanwhile, the Players Championship has continued with dramatic developments. After the third round, JJ Spaun holds a one-shot lead over Bud Cauley, with a 12-under-par total giving him a four-stroke cushion over Rory McIlroy. McIlroy managed to birdie the final hole to card a 73, keeping himself in the mix. The leaderboard lacks some of golf’s biggest names, but Patrick Cantlay remains in contention at seven under.
Frustration has been evident among some of the sport’s top players. Scottie Scheffler, after over-hitting his approach shot to the 18th, tossed his club away in disgust. Still, at five under par, he remains within striking distance.
With stormy weather looming, tournament officials have adjusted Sunday’s schedule. The final round will see players teeing off in groups of three from both the 1st and 10th holes in an effort to complete the event before conditions worsen.
