PHILLIP Price and Bradley Dredge get the chance to pit their wits against all 12 members of the magnificent European Ryder Cup team as the European Tour reaches its climax.

But they will also be eyeing one of the most extravagant pay cheques on the tour when they tee off tomorrow in the Volvo Masters, being played at the superb Valderrama Club on Spain's Costa del Sol.

Only the top 60 on the European Tour are eligible for inclusion into the event, which has no weekend cut, so it is an achievement in itself to even qualify and have a crack at the winning prize of 625,000 euros.

Newport-based Price is 44th on the Order of Merit after a disappointing year and it took a fine 12th-placed finish at last week's Madrid classic to propel Blackwood's Dredge into 58th position.

And having come so close to missing out, Dredge is determined to make the best of his opportunity.

He said: "I have been playing much better of late and that had given me great heart and a belief that I could end the season strongly.

"Strangely enough I didn't actually think that I played particularly well last week in Madrid but I putted absolutely beautifully.

"When the putter is hot and your rhythm is good it gives you a lot of confidence that you can go on and make good scores and that is the belief that I will have this week.

"The competition is obviously extremely fierce here despite the fact that Ernie Els is not playing but that competition just adds to the excitement, these are the kind of events that you really look forward to.

"It is in no way like stepping into the unknown because all the players know the course, so it is all about finding the right sides of the greens to leave yourself uphill putts and keeping composed.

"The way I have been playing recently just gives you that extra bit of belief and resilience when you are out there because you are always confident that you can shoot a decent score.

"Because it is a much smaller field we play in two balls which is also something I enjoy, because it is easier to play at a decent pace and you feed off your playing partner.

"If they play well then it gives you a good push.

"The competition is extremely tough as I mentioned but having all of the Ryder Cup players here makes it special for the spectators and exciting for the players."