Paul Casey warms up for Open with gruelling 300-mile bike ride and reveals what he misses most about England
Former world No 3 sacrificed Ryder Cup chance by playing only in America but loves returning to home comforts
PAUL CASEY warmed up for the Open by going on a gruelling 300-mile bike ride through Italy just days before beginning his bid for the Claret Jug.
And it's not the first time.
England's former world No 3 is obsessed with his bike - which costs up to £8,000 - and did a similar trip a couple of years ago.
Then it was a 362-mile trek through Dolomites in the Italian Alps. The climb into the mountains covers more than 50,000ft.
And it was a similar route on the week-long trip this time, undertaken alongside caddie John McLaren.
Casey, 39, told the : "Everybody ended in one piece, which is the main thing!
"Cycling is my release. I don't think about golf when I'm on my bike."
Good job too, because now Casey can only hope he won't be "p***ed off" if he ends his career without that Major.
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He added: "Sure I’d like more titles, I really would. I still hope I win a Major. Let’s have this conversation in six or seven years. Hopefully I won’t be p***ed off then."
At least now Casey has home comforts to keep him happy.
He is married to stunning Pollyanna Woodward - who was pictured in her underwear on his phone case - but the pair live in America with Casey opting to play on the PGA Tour only.
That means he can't qualify for Europe's Ryder Cup team - and that's not the only thing missing in his life.
He told the : "Absence makes the heart grow fonder; a cheesy line but it’s true.
"I miss all the British things. I have been enjoying Scotch eggs, pork pies, cheese and beer. I went to Wimbledon last week. I love it all; it’s home."
