While Paul Casey closed out a third successive top-ten finish at Augusta, there was a lingering sense of what could have been as he watched two of his peers and former Ryder Cup colleagues – Justin Rose and Sergio Garcia – challenged for the title.
Grand Slam
The 39-year-old is yet to savour success at one of the four Grand Slam events but is confident he can follow in the pair’s footsteps and become a Major champion in the future.
“It’s great to be out there and it’s a joy to be part of The Masters and a joy to be up there again,” said the Englishman, who began the day seven back and carded a 4-under 68 to move up to sixth place.
Awkward lie
“I didn’t do a lot wrong – I pulled a slightly awkward lie on 13, from which I couldn’t keep much spin on the ball and ended up at the back of the green. Even though I struggled from there I hit some really good putts. We misjudged the wind on 14 and made bogey and from there I felt like the tournament is kind of done – it’s got away from me.”
Ryder Cup
Casey, who played in three Ryder Cups from 2004 – 2008 now has nine top tens in the Majors with five of them coming at The Masters.
“I love this event and I think my game suits it,” he said. “I desperately want to win a Major and I feel the game is there or thereabouts. Sometimes you need a little bit of luck, but you need to create your luck. I love working at it, I love this game so we will see, maybe one day.”
Look ahead
The 13-time European Tour winner is currently based full-time on the US PGA Tour and will now prepare for the season’s second Major at the US Open in June.
