Paul Casey: I need to play aggressive

Paul Casey says his only option is to use the driver more if he wants to stand a chance of winning the Masters next week.

Averaging 295 yards off the tee on the PGA Tour this season, Casey is by no means a short hitter but, when you compare it to the likes of Dustin Johnson and Rory McIlroy, the Englishman is slightly lacking in that department.

The 41-year-old became the first player to successfully defend the Valspar Championship last month, beating Jason Kokrak and Louis Oosthuizen by one stroke, and his upturn in results over the past year have helped him climb to world number 11.

Major glory still eludes the 13-time European Tour winner but he is being tipped to challenge at Augusta National next week, a venue he has recorded five top-10 finishes at.

On the challenge of taking on the big guns, Casey revealed he has to play more aggressively at the Masters in order to stand any chance of competing with the best players.

“I’ve obviously had good success around Augusta – well good finishes, certainly,” he told Steve Carroll, Author, at National Club Golfer. “There’s no question that at Augusta I hit more aggressive shots, or more drivers there, than maybe I used to.

“But if I want to beat Rory and Dustin, and these guys – they have more than me. They’re the ultimate guys right now. If they play their best golf I am not sure I can beat them.

“So I’ve got to try and play them at their own game, and that means being aggressive. If I’m not making enough birdies, then I’ve got no chance.”

Tagged Paul Casey