England’s Paul Casey is confident he can challenge for honours at The Masters next month after he won a first PGA Tour for nearly nine years at the Valspar Championship.
The world number 12 has enjoyed a solid start to the year after two top-10 finishes but he went all the way at Innisbrook Resort.
He overturned a five-stroke deficit during the final round to post a six-under 65 and finish one clear of American duo Patrick Reed and Tiger Woods.
Casey had not won on PGA Tour since the Houston Open in 2009, although he does have 13 wins on the European Tour.
The 40-year-old will now play at the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play before then travelling to Augusta and he is confident of going all the way and winning the Green Jacket.
He told Sky Sports: “I’m excited, and not only for my game but the fact that Tiger’s playing great. It’s cool.
“I’m a fan of golf and to pip him is very special. He’ll be on top form when we get there [Augusta National] and I’m looking forward to it. I think I’ve got a good chance.
“There has been a lot [of pressure] and it’s got to the point where it’s gone the other way, where actually I’m playing very free golf, very relaxed and at peace with whatever happens on the golf course.
“I can say that because of my life away from the golf course, my wife and kids. To then get both is the icing on the cake.”
Dustin Johnson is the 9.00 favourite to win The Masters, but Casey can be backed at odds of 29.00.
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