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A rejuvenated Paul Casey says he has re-discovered his love for golf after claiming a landmark 15th European Tour title with a four-shot victory at the 2021 Omega Dubai Desert Classic.<\/p>\nA rejuvenated Paul Casey says he has re-discovered his love for golf after claiming a landmark 15th European Tour title with a four-shot victory at the 2021 Omega Dubai Desert Classic.<\/p>\n
Winner in Abu Dhabi in 2007 and 2009, Casey completed a desert hat-trick with a closing two-under par 70 to finish 17 under at Emirates Golf Club, four ahead of South Africa\u2019s Brandon Stone, with Scotland\u2019s Robert MacIntyre at 12 under.<\/p>\n
Ryder Cup hopeful MacIntyre, who was bidding for a second success in six starts after a breakthrough win in the Cyprus Showdown in November, started the day one behind Casey and was well in contention before carding four consecutive bogeys around the turn on his way to a two-over 74.<\/p>\n
Fresh from victory in California, Casey says he is now enjoying the game once more and is delighted to be back playing in front of fans, even if they are socially-distanced, after experiencing a low point during the coronavirus pandemic.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve not enjoyed a minute of it,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s been totally soul-less, with no emotion. It\u2019s just not been a fun time.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe had some fans this week. They were amazing.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve realized how much I love doing what I do but in an environment with people watching. It could be heckling or cheering, that\u2019s part of what we do.<\/p>\n
\u201cLast year was rubbish but I\u2019m now enjoying my golf, I feel fine with where I\u2019m at.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve worked incredibly hard over the last few months. Here I am rejuvenated, sponsors, new equipment and a couple of people standing around a golf course. I feel totally different.\u201d<\/p>\n
Casey turned in level par 35 but that was enough for a three-shot advantage which he extended to five with five to play.<\/p>\n
That gap was trimmed over the closing holes but the 43-year-old never looked in any danger as he cruised to a triumph that moves him back into the world\u2019s top 20.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was the trickiest conditions all week,\u201d he said. \u201cI didn\u2019t look at the leaderboard until I came down the 18th so didn\u2019t know what was going on.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was just trying to keep my nose clean. I did what I needed to do.\u201d<\/p>\n
The victory boosts Casey\u2019s chances of being named in the team for September\u2019s Ryder Cup and captain Padraig Harrington was waiting at the finish to congratulate him on his victory but the Englishman says he wants to win his place in the team on merit.<\/p>\n
Casey, who has appeared in four Ryder Cups, said: \u201cThere\u2019s a long way to go. I\u2019d love to be part of this team, in any capacity.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m a long way back in points \u2013 my world ranking points in California last week don\u2019t count \u2013 which means I\u2019m a bit behind so this is a big boost.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to make the team, I don\u2019t like being a pick if I can help it. I\u2019ll accept it but I don\u2019t really want to if I can.\u201d<\/p>\n
Casey, whose victory enables him to equal both Harrington and former captain Thomas Bjorn for European Tour wins, says MacIntyre would be a worthy addition to the Ryder Cup team.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s got very strong possibility of being in Paddy\u2019s Ryder Cup team,\u201d he said. \u201cHe was brilliant. He was great to play with, if anything he helped me.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019d feel very comfortable standing next to him on the first tee at Whistling Straits. And he\u2019s only going to get better and better.\u201d<\/p>\n