Paul Casey relishing Ryder Cup return

Paul Casey admits he is relishing being part of the European Ryder Cup team once again.

The Englishman was named as one of Thomas Bjorn’s captain’s picks for the biennial event at Le Golf National and it will be the first time since 2008 that he has formed part of the European team.

Casey was unfortunate not to be selected for the 2010 team when he was ranked seventh in the world although a loss of form saw him move out of contention for the following two tournaments, while he ruled himself out in 2016 after opting against re-joining the European Tour.

However, the 41-year-old is now delighted to be back for what will be his fourth Ryder Cup appearance and admits he has missed the camaraderie that comes with being part of a team.

“I’ve missed a lot,” Casey said. “I miss putting the clothes on in the morning, I miss that first tee.

“But the most is missing the vibes, the team, how close you get with these guys and become really good friends.”

Casey is planning to soak up the atmosphere in France this weekend as he knows it could be his last Ryder Cup appearance on European soil.

“I want to make sure I pay attention to it and enjoy it, deliver points,” he added. “Play my heart out but enjoy it at the same time.

“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 European-based Ryder Cup, but plain and simple, at 41, it’s got a chance that it is.”