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Paul Casey targets Ryder Cup return with Europe in France 2018

By Alys Bowen

Wednesday 1 November 2017 15:14, UK

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Ryder Cup captain Thomas Bjorn is delighted that Paul Casey will attempt to qualify for the 2018 contest.

Paul Casey is desperate to boost Europe's Ryder Cup hopes next year having opted to rejoin the European Tour.

Arizona-based Englishman Casey had to give up his Europe membership after deciding to focus on competing in the PGA Tour to try to make the world's top 50.

His gamble paid off as the 40-year-old rose quickly through the rankings from 75th at the end of 2014 to his current position of 15th.

Concentrating on the PGA Tour meant Casey was ineligible for the Ryder Cup. However, he is set to rejoin the European Tour at the start of the 2017-18 season and will appear at the Abu Dhabi Championship - an event he has won twice - in January.

Paul Casey of England lines up a putt on the first green during the third round of the Tour Championship at East Lake Golf Club
Image: Casey concentrated on the PGA Tour meaning he had to sacrifice his membership

"I've missed it and it's always bothered me slightly not being a member," Casey said.

"I think ultimately the biggest thing about making this decision is I'm avoiding the regret of not doing this.

"I want to play another Ryder Cup and that's why I need to do this. I genuinely can't tell you how excited I am and how cool it is to think about the possibility of that next September, for multiple reasons.

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"I feel I can make a massive contribution on the golf course. I still feel I've got another very good three, four, five years in me, of really good stuff."

Casey was part of the European team for the record nine-point Ryder Cup wins in 2004 and 2006 along with the defeat at Valhalla in 2008 where he was unbeaten in his last three appearances.

KILDARE, IRELAND - SEPTEMBER 24: (L-R) Sergio Garcia, Paul Casey, Padraig Harrington and Luke Donald of Europe pose with The Ryder Cup Trophy after Europe
Image: Paul Casey was part of the Ryder Cup winning team in 2006 along with Sergio Garcia, Padraig Harrington and Luke Donald

However, Casey was not picked as the wild card by Colin Montgomerie in 2010 despite being ranked seventh in the world at the time and has not played in the Ryder Cup since.

Casey has praised the European captain Thomas Bjorn for influencing his return to the tour.

"Thomas has been a massive support," Casey added. "He's assisted in me making the decision with his confidence and his backing of me and my game, but he also hasn't crowded me.

"I sent Thomas a congratulatory message on his appointment and our conversations haven't stopped since."

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