Storey turns caddy for boyfriend

When it comes to testing a relationship, caddying for your partner in a pro golf tournament must be right up there with teaching your significant other how to drive. Happily, Lee Westwood and his girlfriend of 18 months, Helen Storey, were not only still speaking after putting their relationship through the wringer in the first round of the Abu Dhabi HS BC Championship but positively beaming. Fitness fanatic Helen was pushing her luck, however, when she walked off the 18th green, put down the 30lb golf bag, and asked Westwood if they were now off to the gym. ‘Did you say gin?’ replied Westwood, chuckling. Billy Foster, Westwood’s usual caddie, had to pull out after his father died at the age of 86. Helen wasn’t due at this event but signed up after her boss gave her time off work at the head office of a gym in Jesmond, near Newcastle. ‘Lee told me not to say too much and make sure I kept up,’ explained Helen. ‘It was hard work but I really enjoyed it and it looks like we’re still friends, so everything’s good.’ Westwood was equally enthused after doing what men have done since time immemorial and shown off a little in front of his girl. ‘She was under strict orders not to say anything about the golf side but she gave me a lot of encouragement out there and it helped,’ he said. ‘Obviously, the circumstances in which she had to do it were very sad, but all credit to her for stepping forward. I don’t think I’d want to carry that bag around in this heat for five hours.’