Party on hold for birthday boy Casey

PAUL CASEY wants a big 40th birthday bash this Sunday night with drinks from the Claret Jug. He turns 40 today, but the celebrations are on hold with his mind focused on breaking his Major duck.

The world No.16 made the most of calmer conditions later on yesterday to shoot a fine four-under 66.

The last seven Major winners have been first-time champions and now Casey believes he can potentially join the likes of Sergio Garcia and Brooks Koepka from earlier this year.

But he knows he must avoid an early mid-life crisis at Royal Birkdale this weekend. Casey said: “I love going to work on my birthday, it is cool. Apparently, life begins at 40, so maybe it is a good omen for me.

“I am very much wanting to win it. It would be a hell of a party if I did. I am not having a crisis yet, I’ve not bought a white Lamborghini and, hopefully, I won’t have a crisis here.

“I think I am in good form. I am comfortable with myself on the golf course, and away from the golf course, and I think that is why I am now playing good golf.”

Casey and TV presenter wife Pollyanna Woodward have a son and another child on the way.

He also has a good relationship with caddie Johnny Mclaren and the pair have devised a five-year plan to win at least one Major.

Casey freely admitted he never considered the Open his best chance and tied third is his highest finish from back in 2010.

But he says Royal Birkdale is his favourite Open venue and his game is in great shape. He hit 83 per cent of greens in regulation in his first round and drove the ball an average of 316 yards.

The Englishman (above) is also reinvigorated after a cycling holiday in the Italian mountains before practising hard back home in the United States. He added: “Royal Birkdale is my favourite links course of any on the Open rota.

“I think it is so fair, it is beautifully designed and the bunkers are perfect. “The condition is great and I’ve come here and feel the break did me good.”

His only blemish yesterday was a single bogey on 11 after a three-putt. But he finished strongly with birdies on the 16th and 17th to stand a shot off the lead as the best home player.

Casey felt it was vital to get his Open off to a good start with bad weather due today.

He added: “It is important to capitalise on good conditions and make hay when the sun shines.”