Paul Casey donates entire Omega European Masters prize money to Crans-Montana fire victims charity

Paul Casey has delivered an extraordinary gesture after the DP World Tour confirmed the Englishman has donated his entire prize money from the Omega European Masters to charity.

Casey came agonisingly close to securing a 16th career victory on the DP World Tour on Sunday, only to lose out to defending champion Thriston Lawrence on the fourth extra hole of a dramatic playoff at Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club.

The former World No.3 had entered the final round with a three-shot lead and looked on course for a long-awaited return to the winner's circle after closing with a superb 68.

• How much they all earned at the Omega European Masters

However, Lawrence produced a stunning final-round 62 to haul himself back into contention, with the South African eventually catching Casey at 18-under par.

Casey still appeared to have the advantage heading down the 72nd hole, holding a one-shot lead, but a costly bogey saw him drop back into a tie for the lead and forced the pair into a playoff.

There were further chances for Casey to seal the deal in the playoff, but it was Lawrence who produced the decisive moment on the fourth extra hole, converting a superb 30-foot birdie putt on the par-4 18th to win the Omega European Masters for the third time.

The victory saw Lawrence earn €548,226.41 and move level with the late, great Seve Ballesteros for three wins at the historic European Masters.

For Casey, however, the result was ultimately about far more than the trophy.

The 49-year-old had revealed following Saturday's third round that he intended to donate his prize money to help those affected by the devastating fire in Crans-Montana earlier this year.

"This is now home. I now live in Switzerland, so it would have made an awful lot," Casey told reporters.

"It feels like a home week for me, and tomorrow, whatever happens, I hope I win and I'll be playing really hard, but I'll make sure that all my prize money as well is going to the charity and the victims of the fire here in Crans-Montana, so I've got a lot to play for tomorrow."

Despite falling agonisingly short of victory, Casey has now lived up to his promise.

The DP World Tour confirmed that the Englishman has pledged his entire runner-up cheque of €354,734.74 — just over $400,000 — to Fondation Beloved, a charity supporting the families of victims of the Swiss bar fire during New Year's celebrations in Crans-Montana.

A devastating fire broke out at the Le Constellation bar in the Swiss ski resort on January 1, 2026, killing 41 people and injuring a further 115.

Casey, who now resides in Switzerland and has a direct connection to the local community, wanted to use his appearance at the Omega European Masters as an opportunity to give something meaningful back.

It is a remarkable gesture from one of England's finest players of the modern era, particularly after the disappointment of coming so close to a first DP World Tour victory since January 2021.

Here was Casey's emotional interview after Saturday's third round: 

Casey was competing at the European Masters on an invitation, having not held a DP World Tour card in recent seasons. 

He has played on LIV Golf since the circuit launched in 2022 and is currently a member of Bryson DeChambeau's Crushers GC alongside Anirban Lahiri and Charles Howell III.

What the future holds for Casey remains to be seen, particularly with continued uncertainty surrounding LIV Golf and his long-term playing plans.

It's understood DeChambeau is expected to remain on LIV Golf, should the league continue next season, and that could be something that persuades Casey to stick rather than twist given his close relationship with the two-time U.S. Open champion. 

Approaching his 50th birthday next summer, Casey is also less than 12 months away from becoming eligible for senior golf.

But regardless of where he plays next, his actions in Switzerland this week have served as a powerful reminder of the man behind the golfer.

Casey may have left Crans-sur-Sierre without the trophy he desperately wanted, but his extraordinary decision to donate every cent of his prize money will undoubtedly have a far greater and more lasting impact.

How much money has Paul Casey made in his golf career?

Casey has enjoyed a hugely successful career to date. 

The three-time PGA Tour winner has amassed just over $36.5 million in PGA Tour earnings, placing him 52nd on the circuit's all-time money list. 

While Casey has not registered an individual win on LIV Golf, he has won multiple team titles with the Crushers GC, and is estimated to have earned $25,682,238 in on-course prize money since joining the league in 2022. 

The Englishman's career earnings on the DP World Tour, where he has won 15 times, stand at an impressive €21,010,013.72.