Agran's About: What price Phill for Celtic Manor?

Phillip Price - has more wedges than any other Tour pro

Former Ryder Cup hero Phillip Price would like another crack at the matches against the US when the biennial battle comes to Wales in 2010, with europe looking to regain the trophy.

It was Price who clinched a crucial point, beating Phil Mickelson at The Belfry in 2002, though it was Paul McGinley who finally secured the overall win - and the attendant publicity - with a 15 foot putt on the final green in a 15.5- 12.5 triumph.

Though he won the European Open in 2003, his form has dipped after an unsuccessful stint on the US PGA Tour in 2005.

Price holes that putt to beat Mickelson at The Belfry in 2002

He spoke to me at the Mauritius Open - where he finished in a tie for 17th in an event won by fellow Welshman Jamie Donaldson - and explained how much it would mean to him to be able to play in front of his own fans and at the club near Newport.He also has a degree of local knowledge.

“I’m a fully paid-up member of Celtic Manor, obviously know the course incredibly well and would just love to be part of it all again.”

Does he think he has a chance of making the team?

“I’m playing a full schedule of events next year and yes, I honestly believe I could get in the side. Obviously I will need to play well but I’m sure I can do it.”

As for the current intrigue surrounding the captaincy (probably announced next week), Price would like to see his compatriot Ian Woosnam back at the helm.

Price (right) in relaxed mood in Mauritius last week with fellow Tour players Nicholas Colsaerts (left) and Jean-Francois Luquin.

Price, incidentally, admits he probably has the largest collection of wedges outside a top club manufacturer's warehouse and certainly any of his professional colleagues.

“I honestly don’t know how many I’ve got; more than I think and certainly more than I need! I always carry at least three in my bag, sometimes four and for every one in the bag there are dozens held in reserve," said Price.

As for me, I own just one lob wedge. I don’t know how to use it properly but have no intention of replacing it with another wedge that will be equally puzzling to me.

I reckon only a belly putter could help my game. I had a go with one on a practice green in Malaysia recently and holed almost every putt I looked at. Sadly, the bloke I borrowed it from wanted it back and they’re expensive items. Still, Christmas is just around the corner and you never know your luck!