The final round of the Dubai Desert Classic was an experience mismatch Sunday at the Emirates Golf Club with Paul Casey (14 European Tour wins) locked in against young Robert MacIntyre (1 European Tour win). By day’s end, the 43-year-old Englishman thrashed the 23-year-old McIntyre and other would-be challengers and won for the 15th time on the European Tour.
It was hardly a stellar closing round for Casey, he shot a two-under par 70 but it looked even lower considering that no one near him could mount any short of challenge. MacIntyre took himself out of contention with three straight bogeys to close his front nine, he’d go on to shoot a two-over par 74 and lost out on second place to Brandon Stone. Stone’s even par 72 got him to 13-under, four short of Casey but good enough for solo second, a shot better than MacIntyre, who did managed solo third.
But it was Casey’s day. After turning in even par under nice playing conditions, birdies at the 11th and 13th sent Casey to his victory march down the final stretch.
“I’m all emotional with wins, but this one is such a prestigious event,” Casey said after he hoisted the iconic Giant Tea Pot trophy. “The history which is behind you, and I can see it from here with amazing winners, is basically a who’s who in the world golf. I’m so over the moon. Not just 15 (wins), the fact it’s Dubai. It’s an iconic event on the European Tour. One of the coolest trophies around.”
Casey sounded ready to put together a good 2021 season. “I think the whole of 2020 has been very strange, still is very strange, and I’m very, very thankful to be able to do what I do and still be out here playing golf. We had some fans this week, they were amazing. Obviously not a lot because we’re still in the middle of a pandemic. Myself, just like a lot of other people, it’s not been enjoyable. So to have something like this happen, hopefully that can bring happiness to other people, as well.”
Casey was his usual humble self and talked about getting better as he pushes 44. “I’m still learning. I’m still getting better. I’m still growing up. I always like to learn from the guys I play against and compete with and against. Playing the best in the world, guys like Dustin (Johnson) right now, sort of learning what they do and it’s something I’ve worked on. I feel kind of fine with where I’m at and it doesn’t mean I’m soft. It actually means I’m kind of pushing on and I’m at peace with whatever happens in terms of my golf career from here on. So it actually means I’ve worked incredibly hard the last few months and I’ve literally gone foot down.”
Casey is fully aware that this is a Ryder Cup year and he’s looking to play his way onto the European squad:
“I’d love to be part of Padraig’s team in any capacity,” Casey said. “I’d obviously love to be on the golf course first because I think that’s where I’m most useful and if I’m not on the golf course, I’d still love to be part of his team and do my bit for Europe.”
