New world number three Paul Casey insists Cheam’s Ross Fisher will soon be troubling the world’s elite after the 28-year-old pushed Casey all the way at the PGA Championship.

In a stunning final day of action at Wentworth Fisher carded an impressive round of 64, giving him a tournament total of 16 under par.

But that still wasn’t enough as Weybridge-based Casey sank a putt at the 18th to triumph by a single shot.

The 31-year-old began 2009 ranked 41st in the world and reckons Fisher has the ability to follow suit.

Casey said: “I always knew Ross was going to be a threat – he knows this course so well and he just sticks at it.

“He is very bold and very confident at the moment.

“He is extremely aggressive.

“He really likes to hit the driver – he is not scared to give the ball a real whack.

“Ross shows a lot of flair on the course and he has worked incredibly hard on his short game.

“That has made him a much more rounded player and I am sure you will be hearing a lot more about him.

“I am also extremely confident that he is a future Ryder Cup player.”

Casey led from day two in the high-profile Surrey event and proved to be a deserving winner after four days of consistent quality golf.

And he admitted claiming the title meant an awful lot to him.

He added: “There are some great names on that trophy and it feels great to join them.

“A lot of people have helped me to this point but I really have to thank my coach Peter Kostis.

“He really is more than a coach and together we set some lofty goals at the start of the year.

“The PGA Championship is the flagship event on the European Tour and I have always wanted to get my hands on the trophy so it feels fantastic.”

For Fisher, who saw his ranking surge to 22 after the weekend, it was a return to the course that provided him with his introduction to the game as a teenager.

And he revealed that had played significantly on his mind.

He said: “I’ve had some great history with the place – they supported me in my amateur career through a scholarship and every time I go back there it brings back great memories.

“There was a bit of extra pressure on me as I wanted to do well not just for myself but for everybody else.

“There were so many familiar faces – people that supported me over the years and who supported me this week.

“So it was great to play like I did – I might have scored a lower total at some stage but I don’t think I have ever played as well as I did in that last round.

“I have missed playing in Europe because of my time in the States.

“But I will never forget where I started my golf and that is here.”