European Tour Member Paul Casey jumped to a career high position of sixth place on the Official World Golf Rankings after his maiden US PGA Tour victory at the weekend.
The 31 year old Englishman also gave himself the perfect boost for this week’s Masters Tournament at Augusta National when he landed the Shell Houston Open at Redstone Golf Club following a play-off win over JB Holmes.
"When you get introduced on the first tee here and you're playing with Geoff Ogilvy and they're going through all the accomplishments Geoff had had and I'm thinking 'come on, at least mention, you know, something'. But I hadn't done anything yet out here. This is the first win and it's fantastic."
The Englishman had led by a stroke going to the 18th hole with Holmes having finished some two hours and 40 minutes earlier with a 69 to get to 11 under. But after two-putting for bogey and a final-round, level-par 72 to finish on 11 under he went back to the 18th tee for sudden death with Holmes.
Mistakes from both in the approach meant Holmes got onto the green in four, and when he came up short with his 45-foot bogey putt Casey was left with two putts for victory from 28 feet. His first putt rolled up to within two feet and from there, he holed out for victory.
Casey’s performance was the icing on the cake for the European Tour challenge in Texas which saw another eight Members finish in the top 20. Leading the way were Nick O’Hern and Henrik Stenson who shared third spot; Geoff Ogilvy was tied sixth; Lee Westwood finished in a share of 11th place, while Ernie Els, Robert Karlsson and Ian Poulter shared 14th spot. Completing a fine four days was Rory McIlory who finished in a group tied for 19th place.
