Paul Casey took full advantage of a three-hour storm delay, matching the lowest major round of his career with a seven-under-par 65 Thursday to seize the lead at the Masters.
The Englishman awoke to heavy showers and was happy to wait before setting out on a rain-soaked Augusta National.
“I was not relishing the challenge ahead, waking up in the rain this morning,” Casey said. “That was a very good break I capitalized on because it was a glorious day for golf, really, after that.”
Photo: EPA-EFE
There were 44 players who had to finish their first round yesterday due to darkness because of the delay, which meant that Casey was unlikely to finish round two before sunset yesterday — but it was worth it.
Casey’s only other 65 in a major came in the final round of the 2018 Masters, but as he pondered a day with five birdies and an eagle at the par-five second hole, the Englishman was bothered by shots that he felt he had left on the course.
“It was a great round. It was just very solid golf,” he said. “I did the right things when I needed to. You rarely walk off this golf course going: ‘It could have been two or three better,’ but it kind of felt that way.”
Casey is chasing his first major title at age 43, but had his best major finish, a runner-up spot, in August at the PGA Championship.
He has struggled with finding the electricity and inspiration playing without spectators since the return from the COVID-19 shutdown.
“I didn’t know how the fanless experience would be — and so far, I’ve not enjoyed it and I’ve felt the lack of energy for me,” Casey said. “I’ve had nothing or very little to draw from being out playing tournament golf.”
Even without spectators this week, the Masters packs enough energy to inspire him, Casey said.
“The Masters, though, this week it still has a buzz to it,” he added. “There’s an energy and a little bit of a vibe. It’s clearly a lot less than what we are used to, but there’s something about this place that, still, I felt excited to be here. It’s quite a special experience this week.”
Casey attributes the emotions to the legacy of Augusta National.
“The course itself is part of it, the history of this tournament,” he said. “It always has been and always will be a real treat. It’s not lost on me.”
Taiwan’s Pan Cheng-tsung hit a two-under-par 70 in the first round, leaving him tied for 21st place with 12 other players going into the second round.
Additional reporting by staff writer
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