Casey ‘here to win’ at Moutai Singapore Open on The International Series

SINGAPORE - Crushers GC's Paul Casey played down suggestions that he is simply tuning up his game during his LIV Golf offseason at the Moutai Singapore Open, instead insisting that a win is the only thing on his mind as he prepares for the penultimate event on The International Series campaign.

The 48-year-old, who needed toe surgery this time last year, showed strong enough form throughout the past season for a 16th-place finish on the LIV Golf Individual Standings. But he is still seeking his first ever individual win – an agonizing playoff defeat to 4Aces GC star Patrick Reed back in June was the closest he came this season.

The former Ryder Cup player is one of the marquee names at Singapore Island Country Club, and he gets his first round underway at 12:20 p.m local time alongside recent Jakarta International Championship winner Wade Ormsby, a LIV Golf reserve player in 2025, and in-form Asian Tour Order of Merit leader Kazuki Higa of Japan.

With 21 professional titles to his name, Casey is going into the prestigious tournament, the eighth of nine elevated events on the Asian Tour calendar, in the right mood and eager to bounce back from a disappointing T59 at the Link Hong Kong Open last week.

“I don't want to say that I am using these events to stay competitive," Casey said. "I went to Hong Kong to try and win, and I am here this week to try and win. ... These aren't just to try and stay competitive. That is totally the wrong messaging for me. I am here because I love playing golf around the world. I don't get on a plane and travel for 6,000 miles to just have a Singapore Sling or something down at Raffles. That is not what I do.

“It is better after Hong Kong; I got some practice in last week. My season has ended so it was a little bit of trying to get the game in tournament shape for Hong Kong. Wasn't quite there. I played with this guy (Tabuena) for the first couple of days. He saw that. But now the game is getting pretty good, in a weird way.

“This time last year I had just come off surgery on my toe, so I feel like I am in a much better place with my golf game. And I am excited about my game, working very hard on it. It is my 25th season and I am still excited and full of energy. Although I haven't won this year, there has been some very, very good golf played.”

Casey saw first-hand the talent fighting it out on The International Series for those two lucrative spots on the LIV Golf League next season, as he played with Miguel Tabuena, the recent International Series Philippines presented by BingoPlus champion, for two rounds at the Link Hong Kong Open.

Talking about Tabuena, currently sitting second in the Rankings and on course for a place on LIV Golf next season, Casey said: “I have seen Miguel's career. There are a lot of golfers you don't necessarily pay radical attention to and dissect their games. Of course, I pay attention to results. ... We were paired together last week, and it is no surprise. Three birdies in his first three holes! His golf game has matured and I don't see any weakness.”

On the Rankings race for the two places on LIV Golf, and spots on the LIV Golf Promotions event to fight it out for another two golden tickets, Casey said it is something he will follow closely.

“I find that bit fascinating," Casey said. "I actually love the fact there are two spots - I am a big fan of that. You have a season-long race to earn your spot or promotion to LIV Golf and that is fully deserved. ... It is an exciting part of sport. I mean, to me, it is always when you get to the crux of a season, it is almost like the (English soccer) Championship (play-off) games, isn't it - Who goes to the Premiership? That is some of the most exciting sport you can watch.

“So I am a big fan of The International Series. I love how these events have been elevated. I played all over the world, as you know, for years, and there is a buzz now to these International Series events.”

The Moutai Singapore Open takes place from Nov. 6-9 at Singapore Island Country Club.

(Photo courtesy of Asian Tour)