Bethpage Park, NY … Triple European Ryder Cup star Paul Casey ruled himself out of this year’s team by not joining the European Tour and instead wishing to focus more on his young family and establishing himself more on the PGA Tour.

But it has not stopped the affable Englishman to join a growing chorus of support in favour of Russell Knox being handed a Hazeltine ‘wildcard’ pick.

“Let’s face it, he would have been qualified had he been a member when he won the HSBC (Champions in China),” said Casey after his opening round of a level par 71 at the Barclays Championship.

Paul Casey holds out a picture of his son Lex. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)

And when I, in the company of Golf Week colleague and good friend Jim McCabe, suggested that Darren Clarke already has five rookies on his side and does he go for a record-equalling six rookies, as was the case in the 2010 European Team led by Colin Montgomerie, Casey responded: “I don’t see Russell as a rookie.  He’s been out here long enough and besides, rookies aren’t scared anymore. Rookies aren’t what they used to be.”

Casey was a member of the winning 2004 and 2006 sides as well as a team member on Nick Fald’s 2008 Valhalla team.

But don’t expect Casey to be glued to the ‘box’ later next month as he’s travelling to France to join in celebrating caddy, John McLean’s 50th birthday bash.