England”s Paul Casey posted his lowest score in nearly three years shooting an eight-under par 64 on day three of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans.

Casey, who is competing on an invitation, had just 23 putts including 10 over his inward nine in sauna-like conditions on the TPC Louisiana course.

Paul Casey delighted to shoot third round 64 and his lowest PGA round in three years. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)

And what makes Casey’s round all the more special is that he was not able to play a practice round on the alligator-infested Pete Dye designed layout situated on the west bank of the mighty Mississippi River.

“It was a great round of golf and I really enjoyed it,” said Casey.

“I’ve been striking the ball well this week and my putting has come on.  I’ve shortened up the putting stroke a little bit and getting a better strike on the ball.  And today, I have to admit, I hit it at a lot of flags.

“So it was a combination of some good stuff from me and a good bounce here and there.  Sometimes you need a bit of luck to shoot a low round.

“But then it wasn’t the best of preparations this week doing some green card stuff, so I was in L.A. until Wednesday morning probably 10am, and then flew out here, arrived late so I didn’t get to play a practice round, was so tired and I didn’t feel like walking the golf course.”

Casey indicated having been married to his American-born first wife, Jocelyn he has always traveled to the US on a visitor’s visa.

However now that the couple are divorced Casey no longer has that avenue despite owning a house in Phoenix, Arizona.

And while Casey moved into contention for just a second PGA Tour success since winning the 2009 Shell Houston Open, his Scottish born caddy singled out the 36-year old for special praise.

Prestwick-born Mark Crane was the caddy for a number of years to fellow Scot Richie Ramsay but at the end of last year he felt he needed a change.

Along came Casey and the Cheltenham-born golfer snapped up the Scottish bagman.

“It’s the best I’ve seen Paul play all season and he’s just striking the ball so well,” said Crane

“He shot a 65 in Durban this year but this round was just pure from tee to green.”

And Casey revealed his fiancee, Pollyanna Woodward is expecting the couples first child in September.

She has been present in New Orleans walking the course with her future husband.

And Casey will be hoping it will be a double celebration in five months time and his return to the European Ryder Cup team for a first time since 2008.

“That would be really nice way to celebrate the birth of the baby by also getting back into the European Team,” he said.

“But while one of those goals is certain there’s still much to do to achieve the second (smiling)”.