CAPTAIN AMERICA

CaseybelievesMickelsonwouldbeperfectRyderCupskipperforUSin2024

the raucous New York crowds.

“The crowd were amazing,” Casey said after a closing 69. “He (Mickelson) gets nothing but a positive reception around here and I got a lot of that off the back of him, which was great. In 2024, I would get none of that.

“The 17th tee was quite raucous and we’re off five, six hours before the leaders are going to go off. I can’t imagine what a Ryder Cup will be like around here.

“I think it would be intimidating, no doubt. It’s like a 13th man for the US team, a big advantage.”

Asked if the PGA of America should appoint Mickelson as captain when the time comes, Casey added: “Yes.

“I think Phil has a big impact being on home soil if he were to be a captain.

“I talked to him. He’s trying to play. He could be a playing captain.”

Mickelson insisted he has not thought about being captain in five years’ time, although he did call for the Ryder Cup to be staged at Bethpage following the 2009 US Open at the same venue.

“I haven’t looked that far down the road, I just know that the crowds here are going to provide such a great home-course advantage and I’m excited that the PGA of America made that decision and the people here are part of this,” Mickelson said.

“You look at the way it is for a PGA Championship. You can only imagine what’s it going to be like for a Ryder Cup.

“I can’t wait to see it, whether I’m watching it, a part of it or whatever. I think it’s such a great venue. I love coming out here because the people here make it so special.”

The course is unlikely to be set up as tough for the Ryder Cup as it has been this week, with American players tending to be favoured by easier conditions.

“If they cut the grass back I think it would almost be a form of cheating really,” joked Matt Fitzpatrick, who was part of the European team beaten at Hazeltine in 2016.

“I think they’ll do that though.

“It will be an interesting atmosphere for sure. I get away with it lightly out there.”

FAVOURITE: Phil Casey thinks the PGA of America should capitalise on Phil Mickelson’s searing popularity with the US crowds and make him Ryder Cup captain in 2024