IT is ten years since Keighley-born caddy Billy Foster embraced Darren Clarke on the 16th green at the K Club amid a wave of emotion.

The Northern Irishman, who leads Europe as captain across the pond this week, had just beaten Zach Johnson as the hosts charged to an emphatic win over America in the Ryder Cup.

It capped an incredible few days for Clarke, who had managed to win three points out of three despite suffering the trauma of his wife Heather dying from cancer just weeks earlier.

What followed on the green was an outpouring of emotion as the Ulsterman broke down in tears in the arms of his long-time side-kick Foster.

The Bingley St Ives member will be caddying in his 13th Ryder Cup when the sides lock horns again at Hazeltine on Friday.

And that 18½-9½ victory at the K Club remains his favourite. He said: "That is still the most special one. The emotion, the enormity of the situation.

"For Darren to go undefeated all week and to win the trophy like we did – they are memories I will never forget."

It was the last time Clarke has played in the cup but, a decade on, Foster knows his focus will only be on one thing in Minnesota.

He said: "Darren won't be thinking about the K Club one bit once things get underway. He will just be concentrating on gaining 14½ points.

"He will have left no stone unturned over the last 12 months.

"He blooded youngsters in the EurAsia Cup and things went well there, with lads like Danny Willett and Matthew Fitzpatrick gaining good experience."

Europe have lifted the trophy 11 times in the last 15 tournaments but Foster, who will be carrying Lee Westwood's bag, warned that Davis Love III's American side will be tough opponents.

He said: "They have a really strong side. They sorely missed Dustin Johnson last time but he is back and a lot of their players feature high in the world rankings.

"Look at Bubba Watson – he is ranked number seven in the world and is not even in the team.

"Europe are missing Paul Casey, Graeme McDowell, Luke Donald and Ian Poulter. They are in transition with young lads stepping in.

"But then one of those is the US Masters champion (Willett) and Thomas Pieters is arguably the next super star, so there is some good young talent there."

Europe are aiming for their fourth win on the trot and have not lost since Nick Faldo led them at Valhalla in 2008.

But with six rookies in their ranks, Foster believes they are underdogs. He said: "The pressure is all on the USA. They are at home and will think they should win this."

Having made his first appearance in 1987, Eldwick-based Foster has witnessed Europe's resurgence in the Ryder Cup over the last three decades up close.

He loves the unique camaraderie, which always seems particularly strong in the Europe camp.

"As a sport, golf is very individual and there are not many chances for team events," said the former Holy Family School pupil. "That's what makes it something special. You become a band of brothers all singing off the same hymn sheet."

He is once again looking forward to the raucous atmosphere which, in his words, make the Open feel like a monthly medal.

With American fans desperate to see their team end their losing streak, they are sure to turn up the volume in favour of the hosts.

Foster said: "The crowd makes it feel more like being at a football match. It's like an away game for Liverpool going to Old Trafford.

"You've got to embrace it and smile back at them."

It could be a history-making week for Foster’s current boss Westwood, who partnered Clarke in both his foursomes victories a decade ago in Ireland.

The Worksop player needs two and a half points to overtake Sir Nick Faldo as Europe’s highest ever points scorer.

Westwood required a wild card from Clarke to make the team but is sure to play a key role in what will be his tenth appearance.

He missed the cut in the Italian Open last time out but has not had a bad season, finishing second in the Masters and featuring strongly in the US Open before a bad last round.

Foster said: “Matchplay is completely different to strokeplay and Lee brings so much to the team.

“His composure and experience in high pressure situations make him an invaluable member. And if he were to get the all-time points record it would be no mean feat.”