PORTUGUESE OPEN: Wales' Phillip Price is hoping a third Portuguese Open title can make up for missing out on his US Masters debut next week.

Price defends the Algarve Open de Portugal title - that was pivotal in his qualification for the European Ryder Cup team - at Vale do Lobo this week, eight years after claiming his maiden tour victory in the same event.

The 35-year-old from Pontypridd had hoped the defence would be the final stage in his preparations for a first appearance at Augusta National, but failed to qualify as one of the top 50 players in the world rankings.

"I'm disappointed not to be playing but I didn't plan on playing so few tournaments this year," admitted Price, who came from four shots behind in the final round at Quinta do Lago 12 months ago with a closing 64 to win by two shots from Ryder Cup team-mate Padraig Harrington and Germany's Sven Struver.

"I planned on getting a couple more invites in America and expected to be playing the TPC and the Masters. If I want to move onto the next level I need to playing well in those tournaments. So to be missing out is an opportunity missed to improve myself."

Price, in similar fashion to fellow debutant Paul McGinley earlier this year, found qualifying for the Ryder Cup side does not carry too much weight when it comes to invites for US Tour events, but still plans to try to earn his card for next season.

"It didn't put me off and I'll probably go to the qualifying school so I have the choice to play wherever I want next year," added Price, who finished 31st and 24th in the Bob Hope Classic and AT&T Pebble Beach pro-am in America earlier this season.

"I'd probably do a little bit of both. I'd definitely start in America if I got a card and maybe try and combine the two. I enjoy playing there and after a couple of weeks I felt very comfortable there, it's a great place to play golf. I realise you could really over-stretch yourself, but ideally I'd be playing in the majors and World Championships which count for both tours and then have a certain amount to play to keep my membership."

Victory 12 months ago was the catalyst for Price's qualification for Sam Torrance's European Ryder Cup side, the win putting him into the top 10 on the qualifying table where he remained for the rest of the season.

Ryder Cup skipper Sam Torrance is among the 156-strong field competing over a tough composite course at Vale do Lobo.

Ireland will be represented by four players at at Vale do Lobo: Des Smyth, Ronan Rafferty, David Higgins and Philip Walton.