Casey pays tribute to triumphant Ogilvy

MARANA, Arizona (Reuters) - Britain's Paul Casey applauded Geoff Ogilvy's superb form in the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship final after being crushed 4&3 by the Australian on Sunday.

Casey, bidding to win his maiden PGA Tour title, lost the opening hole in the morning round and never got back on level terms as his opponent flawlessly piled up 10 birdies and an eagle at Dove Mountain's Ritz-Carlton Golf Club.

"Geoff was exceptional today," the 31-year-old Englishman told reporters after the Australian had sealed victory with a birdie at the par-four 33rd.

"This afternoon, I had three birdies in the first eight holes and I still lost two of them. I threw a lot of things at him and he didn't flinch. It was very, very impressive. I got outplayed today."

Casey felt Ogilvy did not get due recognition for his golfing ability, partially because of his quiet demeanor.

"When Geoff plays the golf he played today, you have to put him in that category," he said, when asked if Ogilvy could be bracketed with players such as three-times major winner Padraig Harrington.

"Geoff is a quiet guy. Maybe that's why he doesn't get the attention that he deserves or the recognition that he deserves. But he's a phenomenal golfer. I mean, how many guys have won (at least) two World Golf (Championships) events?"

Ogilvy clinched his third WGC title on Sunday, with only world number Tiger Woods (15) ahead of him. Britain's Darren Clarke, with two, is the only other player to have claimed more than one WGC crown.

HUGE ATTRIBUTE

Asked what marked out Ogilvy as such a formidable opponent, Casey replied: "What is tough about playing Geoff is that he doesn't change. His demeanor doesn't waiver, which is a huge attribute, especially in match play.

"He walks the same pace, whether he's playing well or poorly. He manages himself very, very well. Even when I made birdies, he just sort of laughs at you and just carries on with what he's doing."

Although Casey produced some of the best golf at Dove Mountain in reaching the final without trailing in any of his five earlier matches, he had mixed feelings overall.

"I'm happy with this week, but a little bit bitter-sweet, maybe," the nine-times European Tour winner said. "I would have loved to have won today but I came up against a guy who was too good.

"Having said that, though, this is a golf course that I felt was slightly awkward for my game two weeks ago and I found a way of getting around it. For that I'm proud."

Casey had played a practice round at Dove Mountain with his good friend and Scottsdale neighbor Ogilvy shortly before last week's Northern Trust Open.

"There are a lot of things I take out of this, but there are also things I need to work on. We move forward."

(Editing by Martin Petty)