Ryder Cup hero looks for triumphant return to region

Three-time European Tour winner, Phillip Price makes a welcome return to the PGA Region where he started his career.

The 1990 PGA in England & Wales (South West) Order of Merit winner, who famously beat Phil Mickleson in a dramatic singles match at the Belfry in 2002 to gain an invaluable point in the European Team's victory at the Belfry, will be one of the many players to watch in this week’s second Order of Merit event - the Total Triumph Classic.

Price is balancing invites to European Tour and Challenge Tour events this season but plans to play in the Region when his commitments allow. 

This unique event, held at the beautiful Oake Manor Golf Club near Taunton, sees the tournament played alongside an individual amateur event that allows serious golfers and developing young players to play alongside some of the game’s very best.

Following a first day cut of the leading 40 players, the field of 80 amateurs including defending Champion Matt Kippen (Enmore Park) will join the professionals.

This year’s field is one of the strongest ever as Welshman Price faces a stiff challenge from Saunton Classic winner David Dixon (Enmore Park), last season’s Order of Merit winner and defending Champion, Liam Bond (Marriott St Pierre), European Senior Tour regulars Kevin Spurgeon (Ferndown), George Ryall (Players Club) and Andrew Sherborne and Cornish Festival winner James Ruth (China Fleet).

Dixon has started the season like a man possessed. He has amassed three wins and nearly £5,000 in his five Regional Tournaments so far this season.

His scoring average of 66.25 in regional events this season includes a course record 61 at Michinhampton (Old) and a 62 at Saunton’s West Course.

The three Senior stars will no doubt show their experience in an interesting over 50s three ball in the first round.

Bond, who was dominant last year with four OOM tournament wins, has made a slower than expected start to the season compared to his brilliance 12 months ago. His third place in the Cornish Festival is his best return of the year to date.

Ruth (China Fleet) heads the younger challenge. The current Marstons PGA West Region Champion added the Cornish Festival to his list of triumphs at the start of April and will be hoping to claim the Total Triumph Classic to boost his OOM hopes.

Having played full time tournament golf over the last few years on both the European and Challenge Tours he has now started his PGA training at China Fleet.

Other young players such as Titleist & FootJoy Young Pros champion Daniel Carter (Upavon), Regional Assistants’ champion Joe Ferguson (Celtic Manor), Welsh Festival champion Cennydd Mills (Pyle & Kenfig), Barry Forster (North Wilts) Mark Searle (High Post), Richard Woods (Dinnaton) Toby Hunt (St Mellons) and Adam Frayne (Yelverton) will all be keen to show their promise with a maiden OOMerit title.

Neil Mossman, managing director of the main sponsors Total Triumph Taunton said: “We are delighted to have such a strong field for our sixth staging of this event with Ryder Cup stars, European Tour and Senior Tour winners amongst the field.

“Oake Manor is in fantastic condition and the players will have a great test. Total Triumph is delighted to support The PGA and the Total Triumph Classic."

The tournament starts on Wednesday 14th May with local favourites James Keitch (Taunton Vale) Simon Stevenson (Taunton & Pickeridge) leading off the field.

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