Casey savors Ryder Cup return after 10-year absence

Paul Casey has been waiting a decade to return to Europe’s Ryder Cup team and is determined to savor everything during his week at Le Golf National.

The 41-year-old Englishman featured on winning teams in 2004 and 2006 but was on the losing side in Valhalla in 2008.

He was surprisingly omitted by captain Colin Montgomerie in 2010 at Celtic Manor and missed out again in 2012 and 2014 after struggles with form while two years ago he ruled himself out because he was not part of the European Tour.

“It’s very special. I think I’ve got more of an appreciation this time around. I’ve taken notes this week and tried to really pay attention to how special this is,” Casey told reporters on the even of the match against a powerful American team.

“Ryder Cups in the past have gone so quickly, I just want to make sure I remember this. You know, at 41, I don’t know how many opportunities I’m going to get to play another European-based Ryder Cup. I don’t want this to be my last.

“But plain and simple, at 41, it’s got a chance that it is. So I just want to make sure that I pay attention to it and enjoy it, deliver points and play my heart out.”

Casey’s last taste of a home Ryder Cup was at the K Club in Ireland in 2006 when he famously won a foursome match alongside David Howell with a hole-in-one.

He said in the 12 years since the event has grown in scale. “The passion is still as intense. It’s just grander.”

While Casey admits a US team featuring nine major winners, including a resurgent Tiger Woods, looks better on paper, he thinks home crowd advantage can be crucial as Europe bids to reclaim the trophy. “The noise will be a good thing. As a team, we’re ready to embrace it and we know that the vast majority of that noise is for us, which is a massive advantage.”

Casey is one of three players aged 40-plus in the team, alongside Henrik Stenson and Ian Poulter while Justin Rose and Sergio Garcia are Ryder Cup veterans.

Europe also boast five rookies, although Casey played down any suggestion that could be a disadvantage.

“I feel our rookies don’t behave and look like rookies,” the world No. 21 said. “They are already incredibly accomplished.”

While Casey is thankful to be getting another Ryder Cup chance and is enjoying the grandeur that goes along with the event, he says it will feel hollow if Europe loses. “I think it’s fairly black and white. It’s why we’re here, is to win,” he said.