Golf-Briton Casey savours major challenge at Tampa Bay

MIAMI, March 7 (Reuters) - Britain's Paul Casey was eager to face challenging conditions in his build-up to next month's Masters and got exactly what he wanted at the Tampa Bay Championship at Palm Harbour on Friday.

The 30-year-old had to contend with strong winds on a punishing Copperhead Course at the Innisbrook Resort and was delighted to eke out a one-over-par 72 in the second round.

"I'm very happy," Englishman Casey told reporters after posting a three-under total of 139.

"It's been a long day out here and I've played 27 holes in tough conditions. I feel very, very happy to get off the golf course and be in."

Casey was among 72 players who had to return early on Friday morning to complete the first round after thunderstorms had wiped out two-and-a-half hours on Thursday.

He birdied three of the last six holes for an opening 67 before collecting three bogeys and two birdies in the second round as the winds gusted up to 67 kph.

"I have no idea how strong that wind was," Casey said after joining four other players in a share of the clubhouse lead. "You hit more golf shots and it's incredibly difficult.

"There are some great players out there and they show you can shoot over par and play some great golf.

MAJOR CHALLENGE  Continued...