The trophy did indeed make it back to Worksop the following night, but it was in the hands of Lee Westwood rather than Foster.

Eight months on the former English amateur champion still has only one European Tour title to his name - that came in South Africa five years ago - but another chance has now presented itself.

After missing the cut in seven of his last nine tournaments, 32-year-old Foster began the Italian Open in Milan yesterday with a seven-under-par 65.

He went into the second round in a tie for third place, a stroke behind compatriot Ross McGowan and Paraguay's Marco Ruiz.

"This is a good time to play nicely but I didn't mean to start the season as badly as I did," said Foster.

"I went out to Dubai and expected to start well because my swing felt all right. But when I had a look on video in Malaysia a few weeks later it looked all over the place.

"At least it made me realise why I hadn't been playing so well. I addressed it and saw a gradual improvement last week.

"It's a horrible feeling. I started to ask myself questions and doubt my ability. I needed to improve mentally and I've started to do that.

"I've got to make a conscious effort. I have spells where it's not as if I lose concentration, but my thinking processes have to improve.

"Playing the way I did has given me a few more grey hairs. I noticed a few of the guys have started dyeing their hair, but I've never got to those lengths!

"I can't say I took anything for granted at The Belfry, but it's difficult when you give yourself only one or two chances a year.

"Wins come if you're up there competing and challenging week-in, week-out."

Westwood did not take the mickey out of Foster for snatching that title, but he has about the fact that Nottingham Forest won automatic promotion and Leeds United did not.

"I'm a big Leeds fan and he's Forest, so when they went up the first text I got was off him!" he added.

McGowan was English amateur champion two years ago, second on last season's "second division" Challenge Tour and has already made it into the world's top 100 in the early stages of this his first full season on the main circuit.

The 26-year-old from Surrey matched the lowest round of his Tour career with his opening 64, while American star John Daly began with a 67 and Nick Dougherty, understandably emotional two days after his mother's funeral, signed for a 71.

With low scoring all around he probably needs a 69 just to make the cut.