Casey sacks caddie on eve of Ryder Cup

European Ryder Cup debutant Paul Casey has defended his decision to sack his caddie five days before the start of the biggest team event in the sport.

Ken Comboy had helped the Briton make the 12-man team and carried his bag throughout last week's German Masters where Casey finished tied sixth to win 90,000 euros ($110,200).

Casey, 27, decided to switch after 14 months in favour of Craig Connolly, who had worked primarily on the women's professional circuit, for the match against the United States at Oakland Hills.

"I think we both knew that the relationship, the team, was pretty much over," Casey told a news conference on Monday.

"I took the view that, if there was anything preventing me from winning as many points as I can at the Ryder Cup, I should change it."