Casey showcasing his game at Augusta

2008-04-12

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By Andrew BothPA SportsTicker Golf Writer

AUGUSTA, Georgia (Ticker) - Paul Casey has always had a massiveamount of talent, and he''s finally showing it on golf''s grandeststage.

Casey has never seriously contended in his previous 20 majorappearances, a tie for sixth at the 2004 Masters his bestresult, but it was inevitable that sooner or later he would.

"This is probably the best golf I''ve played around AugustaNational," he said after shooting 69 to finish the day fourstrokes behind leader Trevor Immelman at Augusta National onSaturday.

"Today was a day of up-and-downs (six birdies and three bogeys)but I take the good out of it. I enjoyed myself out there andthat''s what I''m going to do tomorrow, and not worry aboutanybody else."

Casey, a 30-year-old Englishman who won three successive Pac-10championships during his time at Arizona State, is coached byPeter Kostis, who also doubles as a CBS analyst, which led tothe surreal situation in which the coach interviewed the pupilafter the round.

"I''ve spent a lot of time with Peter the last two weeks, hittingdifferent shots that I think are required for this course, anda lot of time on the fitness and mental side of things," Caseysaid. "So far this year I haven''t played good golf, but I reallyfeel the season begins here. I''m very happy with the state ofmy game."

Casey knows he will be nervous Sunday, but not as nervous, hethinks, as on the first tee at the 2004 Ryder Cup.

"A major championship is close but it''s not like a Ryder Cup,"he said. "There''s nothing else like it."

He may ultimately find out there''s also nothing like the backnine on a Sunday at Augusta when you''re in contention.