Ahead of this week's Open de Andalucia, Mark Foster talks 2012 goals, Leeds United and long putters.
Ahead of this week's Open de Andalucia, Mark Foster talks to us about his aims for 2012, Leeds United and long putters
Sky Sports: Hi Mark. 2011 was your best ever season on the European Tour, with a 32nd place finish on the Race to Dubai and earnings of over £800,00 Euro. What was the main reason for your great year?
Mark Foster: The main difference to other years was I putted better and prepared better for events.
Sky Sports: You posted four top four finishes last season, narrowly missing wins in the Open de France and at Gleneagles. Despite playing so well, were you disappointed not to have bagged your second win on the European Tour?
Mark Foster: I was gutted a couple of times last year not to have won but my professional side also knew I had played great golf for a small spell in the summer.
Sky Sports: A win looks just around the corner so which event are you looking forward to playing most this season?
Mark Foster: I will look forward to all the events but I still have a soft spot for events on home soil.
Sky Sports: What are the personal goals for 2012? Or are you keeping them top secret again?!
Mark Foster: Haha. Just to prepare properly for every event I play.
Sky Sports: You played a somewhat reduced schedule last year in order to get the most out of your game. Will that continue into this season?
Mark Foster: Yes this is a key part of my strategy this season. (Mark has only played in three events so far, with a best of tied 17th in Abu Dhabi)
Sky Sports: Coming from Worksop, we know you are good friends with Lee Westwood but who are your other closest friends on Tour?
Mark Foster: David Howell is my closest and oldest friend on Tour. He's also the funniest.
Sky Sports: You played Walker Cup back in the 1990s. I suppose representing Europe in the Ryder Cup has always been a dream of yours?
Mark Foster: I got my first taste of pro matchplay last year and it was amazing (Mark played in the Vivendi Seve Trophy and partnered his mate Lee Westwood). I would love to play a Ryder Cup but also realise my results would have to improve massively for me to make one.
Sky Sports: What's in the bag, and what's your favourite club?
Mark Foster: I'm TaylorMade from head to toe this year. My favourite club is my LUFC-stamped 58 degree lob wedge!
Sky Sports: Talking of Leeds, happy with Neil Warnock's appointment?
Mark Foster: Pretty mixed to be honest. I think short term he is a great appointment but I think the club deserves a long term plan. I just wish us (the fans) had some idea of what the future plans are for our beloved club.
Sky Sports: If you could change one rule in golf, what would it be?.
Mark Foster: I'd ban long putters.
Sky Sports: What would your dream fourball be?
Mark Foster: Bruce Lee, Muhammad Ali, Will Ferrell and my best friend Craig Frost.
* Mark Foster was talking to John Rhodes
