Casey out of Masters

Paul Casey, one of the favourites for the title, tonight pulled out of this week’s Quinn Direct British Masters at The Belfry.

Minutes after being paired with Colin Montgomerie and South African Richard Sterne in the first two rounds on Thursday and Friday, Ryder Cup star Casey, a former winner on the course, informed the organisers that after a disappointing last two tournaments he wanted to work on his game.

Casey, part of the Britain and Ireland team for next week’s Seve Trophy match in Ireland, finished only 60th in the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles and 37th in the Omega European Masters in Switzerland, the first qualifying event for next year’s Ryder Cup.

He lies 12th on this season’s European Order of Merit and in three weeks’ time defends his HSBC World Match Play title at Wentworth.