Paul Casey Leads European Masters, Vows Winnings to Fire Victims

Paul Casey shot a 7-under 63 on Saturday at Crans-Sur-Sierre Golf Club to take a three-shot lead into the final round of the Omega European Masters, his best chance to end a five-year title drought.

How did Casey build his lead?

Casey opened the week with rounds of 67 and 64 before Saturday's 63, which included six birdies on the front nine. He dropped a shot at the 14th but answered with birdies at 15 and 18 to reach 3 shots clear of Chacarra, Elvira, van Rooyen and Steinlechner. Casey's last win came at the 2021 Dubai Desert Classic. He left for LIV Golf in 2022, where he won $31.8 million as a member of the Crushers GC team but never won a solo event, losing twice in playoffs before his last DP World Tour top 10 came at the 2024 Porsche Singapore Classic.

Why did Casey pledge his winnings to charity?

Casey, who now lives in Switzerland, said a win would carry extra weight because of where it would come. "This is now home," Casey said. He vowed that any prize money he earns Sunday will go to victims of the fire at Le Constellation bar, which killed 41 people and injured 115 in Crans-Montana in the early hours of New Year's Day.

A win at 49 would be Casey's first title in more than five years, and he has already decided none of the money will be his to keep.

A victory Sunday would be Casey's 16th DP World Tour title and his first worldwide win since leaving for LIV Golf in 2022.