MANILA, Philippines — Paul Casey took full advantage of a three-hour storm delay, matching the lowest major round of his career with a seven-under par 65 Thursday to seize the lead at the Masters.
The Englishman awoke to heavy showers and was happy to wait before setting out on rain-soaked Augusta National.
“I was not relishing the challenge ahead waking up in the rain this morning,” Casey said. “That was a very good break I capitalized on because it was a glorious day for golf, really, after that.”
There were 44 players who must finish their first round Friday due to darkness because of the delay. And that means Casey is unlikely to finish round two before sunset Friday. But it was worth it.
Casey’s only other 65 in a major came in the final round of the 2018 Masters, but as he pondered a day with five birdies and an eagle at the par-5 second, the Englishman was bothered by shots he felt he left on the course.
“It was a great round. It was just very solid golf,” he said. “I did the right things when I needed to.
“You rarely walk off this golf course going, it could have been two or three better, but it kind of felt that way.”
Casey is chasing his first major title at age 43 but had his best major finish, a runner-up spot, in August at the PGA Championship.