Casey Rallies to Win Irish Open


Paul Casey fired a 5-under 67 to overcome a four-shot deficit entering the final round to win the Irish Open. The European Tour event took place at Carton House Golf Club in County Kildare.

The Englishman capped off his final round with a 60-foot putt for eagle on the par-5 closing hole. He finished at 14-under 274, three strokes ahead of 54-hole leader Joost Luiten of the Netherlands, who shot a 74, and England's Robert Rock, who carded a 71.

"I love playing in Ireland, I always have," said the 35-year-old Casey, who took his 12th title on the European Tour. "The Irish Open has great history - just looking at Seve's name on the trophy.

"We've had some interesting weather but they've turned out as Irish fans always do and I love playing in front of Irish crowds, I'm looking forward to coming back."

The victory is the first for Casey since the Volvo Champions in Bahrain in 2011. Casey, who also plays on the PGA Tour, hurt his shoulder at the start of 2012 in a snowboarding accident and has struggled to regain his form.

"This almost feels like a first win again," he told reporters. "This is a huge relief, knowing that I'm moving in the right direction, that I've got great golf left in me for another 10-plus years."

Ending up in fourth at 279 was Pablo Larrazabal (75), while another stroke back were fellow Spaniards Rafa Cabrera-Bellow (71), Jose Maria Olazabal (72) and Alvaro Quiros (72), Ireland's Shane Lowry (69) and Northern Irishman Gareth Shaw (69).

American Peter Uihlein, who got into contention after opening with rounds of 67 and 68, shot 74 and 77 on the weekend to drop into a tie for 32nd at 2-under 286.

For all the scores, visit http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2013/tournamentid=2013050/leaderboard/index.html.