By Phil Casey, Press Association Sport
Published: 08:18 GMT, 23 March 2019 | Updated: 08:18 GMT, 23 March 2019
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Paul Casey admits the Masters is already 'in the crosshairs' even as he tries to make the first successful title defence of his professional career in the Valspar Championship.
Casey carded an eagle, four birdies and a solitary bogey in a second round of 66 on the Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Resort to share the halfway with American Austin Cook on six under par.
Former world No 1 Luke Donald, who partnered Casey to victory for England in the 2004 World Cup, is a shot off the lead with Scott Stallings and Sungjae Im, with current No 1 Dustin Johnson another stroke adrift alongside Joel Dahmen and Curtis Luck.
Paul Casey admits the Masters at Augusta next month is 'already in the crosshairs'
The Englishman has a share of the lead as he tries to defend the Valspar Championship
Starting on the back nine, Casey birdied the 10th, 11th and 14th to reach the turn in 32 and also birdied the first before holing from 27 feet for an eagle on the par-five fifth.
The 41-year-old Ryder Cup star dropped his only shot of the day on the ninth after finding sand off the tee and with his approach to the green, but was happy to bounce back after a missed cut in the Players Championship last week.
