Betfair Official Blog

Casey to defend Johnnie Walker title

England's Paul Casey has confirmed he will defend his Johnnie Walker Championship title in August at Gleneagles, starting on August 30.

The world number 15 capped an impressive 2006 by winning the World Match Play Championship at Wentworth, beating Shaun Micheel 10 and 8 in a record victory for the final.

He also became only the fifth golfer in history to card a hole-in-one during a Ryder Cup match.

Casey, who will feature as a leading contender when the Betfair markets open for the event, will join chairman of the championship Colin Montgomerie at The PGA Centenary Course, which will also host the 2014 Ryder Cup matches.

Montgomery said: "I am delighted that Paul plans to return to Scotland for this year tournament.

"The support of a world-class player like Paul makes The Johnnie Walker Championship one of the best events on The European Tour and we are thrilled to welcome him again for 2007."

Casey, who also won the Gleneagles Scottish PGA Championship in 2001, added: "I am looking forward to playing The Johnnie Walker Championship this year.

"Having won here twice now, I'm really looking forward to playing again."