Torrance's unknown soldier: John O'Sullivan talks to a Ryder Cup rookie who answered his critics in emphatic style with a win over the world number two.
Phillip Price did what no one had managed before, to beat Phil Mickelson in a Ryder Cup singles. Three had tried and failed before the one-time Pontypridd Man of the Year recipient humbled the world number two with a staggering three and two victory.
It was an amazing triumph when considered against a background where he was ridiculed in certain sections of the press, his presence on the team called into question. The Welshman had every right to berate his tormentors but instead spoke with great dignity and honesty. In terms of the millions of words written about the 34th Ryder Cup, his were the most poignant.
"When I came here last Monday week there was a lot of negative talk about my form which probably made me feel even worse. I was even asked at one stage should I withdraw from the Ryder Cup which hurt. But I felt like I was playing well and the team is such a pull.
"I think for me to make a contribution to the team was so important. As I said earlier, the press had said I was out of form which was true. It was making me feel that I would probably be better off not playing but I wanted to be a member of a Ryder Cup team years ago. However, I was going to play; I was going to be here giving it my best.
"To be able to win a point in the singles when it mattered meant more to me than anything you can imagine. I feel like I made a contribution when it was possible that I wouldn't. So I'm pretty proud of myself."
Exactly how proud can be gauged by his reaction to the putt that clinched victory over Mickelson on the 16th green. The 35-year-old is one of the quietest men on the tour but that shy nature was replaced a fist pumping bellow of delight. He had rubbished the assertions of those who questioned his competency for this level of contest.
He did it in such an emphatic manner, playing beautifully. Mickelson did not toss the match carelessly away (save for one putt), Price won it. "I felt like I played well for 12 holes and I didn't think he was comfortable. I played particularly well but then again it wasn't a surprise as I had been playing well in practice. I was just going
to be as tough as I could and things went for me. I putted well. The guys said, 'you have nothing to lose.' My putt (on the 16th) was so important as I was clinging on very hard. To make the putt, well I didn't think I had it in me. It was awfully nice to find out that I did."
While Paul McGinley will be remembered for sinking that great putt on the 18th green to secure the half point required for Ryder Cup success, Price is equally worthy of a place in the lore of the Ryder Cup. As Thomas Bjorn so aptly said: "Heroes are made in the Ryder Cup. Paul McGinley and Phillip Price are big heroes."
Price returned briefly to Wales, the memories and the commendations - one arrived within half an hour of the end of the tournament from the Minister for Sport in Wales - a salve against previous adverse comments. He was going back to the company of wife Sandra and son John, aware that no one would ever again question him.
He may be ranked 119 in the world but as Phil Mickelson will tell you, he can play a bit.
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