Casey explains Pinehurst walk-off
Ryder Cup player Paul Casey today revealed the reason behind his US Open walkout following an opening round of 85.
“Three people – my coach, my sports psychologist and my physio – all told me it was best I got out of Pinehurst,” said Casey on the eve of the European Open starting at the K Club near Dublin.
“I was struggling with my game and I thought I would be doing my playing partners Jeff Maggert and Jerry Kelly no favours by playing the second round.”
An official statement on the day said Casey gave no reason for pulling out and a spokesman for the United States Golf Association said they were not happy when anybody withdrew without illness or injury.
But Casey, who was in last place at the time, commented he had gone through the proper procedure and had provided a medical reason.
The 27-year-old hopes to show this week he is climbing out of the worst slump of his career. He is 46 over par for his last seven rounds and has not made a cut since the end of April, but added: “I think I hit the bottom before the US Open.”
Casey is not playing next week’s Scottish Open, preferring instead to get some links practice prior to the British Open at St Andrews.
“I might also call in at Gleneagles. That holds good memories for me.” Casey’s first European tour title came there four years ago.
