Smiling Irishman who captured American hearts at Charlotte

YOU can measure a sporting victory by financial prize, but that is the superficial way.

Better to judge it against the sentiment it unleashes and the true meaning it signifies. On both counts, one would have to echo Billy Foster’s sentiments.

“It can only be a massive stepping stone,” said Lee Westwood’s caddie, who was, as always, the picture of calm as all around him jubilation erupted on Sunday in this stifling hot southern city. Foster heard the wild cheers and witnessed the reason for them – Ireland’s Rory McIlroy – and couldn’t have been more proud.