Casey launches bid to reclaim Ryder Cup spot
The 40-year-old has announced he will commit to the European Tour in a bid to tee it up in France next year
Paul Casey will rejoin the European Tour next season as he fights for a spot on Thomas Bjorn‘s European side.
Casey, who hasn’t appeared at a Ryder Cup since 2008, ruled himself out of the 2016 biennial clash at Hazeltine after refusing to join the European Tour due to family commitments.
Now, though, with only full Tour members up for selection the Englishman has made the decision to throw his name back into the hat ahead of the 2018 edition at Le Golf National.
Casey was overlooked by captain Colin Montgomerie in 2010 before missing the Miricle of Medinah in 2012 through injury but he was quick to quash any rumours that he pulled out for other reasons.
“I love a great conspiracy theory but that’s rubbish,” said Casey. “No, [being overlooked] had nothing to do with it whatsoever.”
“I want to play another Ryder Cup. That’s why I need to do this. It was really important to me. I have missed it too much. I have missed my contribution to England golf, British golf; my contribution to Europe. Watching a Ryder Cup, not being a part of that.”
The 40-year-old also believes that his recent form had a big factor in his decision and hopes he can continue to make strides into the 2018 season.
“My Ryder Cup experiences in the past have been the highlight of my career,” added Casey.
“I just want to be and need to be a part of the European Tour, and then obviously that puts me in line to hopefully, possibly, play another Ryder Cup, which I would dearly love to do.
“I feel like obviously the golf I’ve played the last few years, I feel I can be a massive contribution on the golf course. But I think what excites me more is the role I feel I can play supporting the young guys.”
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Tom Irwin
Tom is a lifetime golfer, now over 30 years playing the game. 2023 marks 10 years in golf publishing and he is still holding down a + handicap at Alwoodley in Leeds. He has played over 600 golf courses, and has been a member of at least four including his first love Louth, in Lincolnshire. Tom likes unbranded clothing, natural fibres, and pencil bags. Seacroft in Lincolnshire is where it starts and ends.
