Casey told victory will put him back in running for Ryder Cup
Europe has more reason to cheer for Paul Casey this week than simply ensuring the Claret Jug stays on this side of the pond. The Englishman has told Thomas Bjorn, the Ryder Cup captain, that should he win here, he will make himself eligible for next year’s match in Paris.
Casey has not been a member of the European Tour since 2014 when he decided to focus solely on the PGA Tour. He called it the “most difficult decision in my career” as he knew that it ruled him out of playing in the biennial match.
However, he was determined to climb the rankings, at the same time as starting a new family with the TV presenter Pollyanna Woodward. The move paid off. He is back in the world top 20 and they are expecting a second child. Casey has promised Bjorn that should he get into the position where he feels his status in the rankings and on the US circuit is untouchable, he will sign up again to his ‘home Tour’. Of course, a win here would confirm all. “Who wouldn’t want Paul Casey on their team in the form he’s in?” Bjorn has said.
Casey is many experts’ idea of the champion here, including Butch Harmon, the coach and Sky Sports analyst. Casey finished sixth at the Masters, with his worst result in his last seven starts being 26th at the US Open. “I don’t think anybody has played more consistently this year,” Harmon said. “Paul has played beautifully and is definitely capable of winning.”
Casey, who turns 40 on Friday, recently spent a week in Italy on a cycling trek that covered 300 miles and 37,000 feet of climbing.
“I have come back feeling energised and really fit, but I feel like there is work to do. I’m excited to work. I’m probably the only guy my age genuinely excited about the rest of the year. It’s like a reset button.”