Paul Casey chose to accentuate the positives rather than dwell on the negatives after the final round of the 150th anniversary British Open on Sunday.
Paul Casey chose to accentuate the positives rather than dwell on the negatives after the final round of the 150th anniversary British Open on Sunday.
The 32-year-old Briton started the day in second place, four shots behind playing partner Louis Oosthuizen, but a closing 75 meant he finished a distant eight strokes adrift of the South African champion in a tie for third place.
"It's been a year that I injured myself, strained muscles in the ribs," Casey told reporters after compiling an eight-under total of 280. "Now, it''s full circle.
"I had some good bounces as well this week and maybe it's the golfing gods sort of getting me into good form. Although I've had some good results I must admit I''ve been playing a little bit tentatively."
The Englishman said his strong showing this week underlined his belief he could win a major.
"Maybe this is a sign that ... the latter half of the season is going to be great for me. That would be nice," added Casey.
"I know I'm going to win a major, it's just a matter of time. This week just wasn't my week."
Casey admitted he feared for his future after sustaining his injury.
"It was very scary," he said. "I was very worried about it. I thought, is this something I'm going to be battling the rest of my career? Am I done? Will I ever be pain free?
"I had no idea and I was pretty down. I was pretty upset about it."
Casey heaped praise on Oosthuizen, the South African whose best previous result in a major was 73rd at the 2008 U.S. PGA Championship.
"I'm not sure if I had put him under pressure he would have flinched at all because he didn't miss a shot today, I don't think he''s missed a shot all week," said the Englishman.
"That was an unbelievable performance. He was very calm, played wonderful golf and all credit to him ... that was fantastic."
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