Nike golfer Paul Casey beat JB Holmes in a playoff to seal the first PGA Tour title of his career at the Shell Houston Open on Sunday.
Casey, who recently lost to Geoff Ogilvy in the final of the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship, boosted his preparation for this week''s Masters with a first US victory in 77 starts.
Reaching the 18th hole at Redstone Golf Club with Holmes already in the clubhouse, Casey only needed par to win the tournament, but he bogeyed the hole to finish level with the American on 11 under.
However, the 31-year-old Englishman seized the initiative when Holmes sent his drive into the water at the first playoff hole, two-putting from 20 feet to secure the title.
"I can''t wait to get to Augusta now," Casey said afterwards.
The victory in Texas lifts the Cheltenham-born golfer to a career-high number six in the world rankings ahead of the Masters, which starts on Thursday.
06/04/2009