Paul Casey backs Phil Mickelson as US Ryder Cup captain for 2024

Paul Casey believes Phil Mickelson should captain the United States in the 2024 Ryder Cup in order to maximise the "intimidating" atmosphere which awaits the European side.

Casey played alongside Mickelson in the final round of the PGA Championship at Bethpage on Sunday and experienced first-hand how popular the five-time major is with the raucous New York crowds.

"The crowd were amazing," Casey said after a closing 69. "He [Mickelson] gets nothing but 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 it's 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."