RYDER Cup hero Phillip Price believes Europe WILL retain the Ryder Cup this weekend, and he is urging the team's rookies to create a little slice of history, just as he did two years ago.
Newport-based Price shot to fame when he recorded a decisive 3 & 2 victory on 'singles Sunday' over then world number two Phil Mickelson, which took Europe to within a point of reclaiming the Ryder Cup.
The Belfry rose to acclaim Price who, on the 16th green, let his measured and quiet persona slip as he pumped his fists and revelled in the delight of comprehensively beating Mickelson.
It was a victory that astounded and deflated the Americans who had considered Mickelson's point to be 'a banker' and the image of an elated Price became one of the endearing sporting images of the year. Quite simply Price made himself a hero.
And although the Newport star has not managed to make the team this time round, he believes Europe have the strongest team they have ever sent to America and that they will return to Europe on Sunday as winners.
He told the South Wales Argus: "I will definitely be sitting down watching the Ryder Cup this weekend and I have a great feeling that the Europeans can be victorious.
"In terms of form I cannot remember a collection of individuals all being in such great touch all at the same time. Everybody is playing well and our wildcards have given the side a strong look.
"Monty (Colin Montgomerie) picks himself with all he has achieved in the Ryder Cup and it would have been very difficult to have picked anyone else other than Luke Donald. He is perfectly suited towards the weekend in every aspect of his game.
"Plus you have the guys like Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood, Darren Clarke and Padraig Harrington, players who know what it is like to win the Ryder Cup. They will be invaluable.
"I also think our other rookies like Paul Casey and Ian Poulter are ready to step up and make a name for themselves.
"They are confident young guys and I really think they will love it out there.
"But all the experienced guys need to help the new boys cope with the pressure because it is indescribable. "The pressure comes from all angles as well because you have the team element in that you are not just playing for yourself and you don't want to let the side down, and of course the entire world is watching the event, which is something you try not to think about!"
Another man backing Europe to win the Ryder Cup this weekend is Blackwood's Bradley Dredge.
Dredge competes against the majority of the European side week after week on tour and he is putting his money where his mouth is in predicting victory.
"I really do think that we will do well this weekend and my money is on the Europeans," he said.
"I just think that the whole team are so competitive and mentally tough and that will give them a massive edge.
"It is of course difficult going to America, because the crowd and the media create a real pressure cooker atmosphere. but that pressure is the same for the American players and I think Europe will come through because our players are playing better than the US players."
Meanwhile, Colin Montgomerie believes Europe will start the Ryder Cup as underdogs at Oakland Hills as they look to retain the trophy.
Despite the absence of former star names such as Nick Faldo, Jose Maria Olazabal and Seve Ballesteros, Europe look to have a well balanced side with several players in top form.
Padraig Harrington won the German Masters on Sunday, Donald has won two of his last five events and Miguel Angel Jimenez won his fourth tournament of the season in the final counting event last month.
But the visitors are still rated the outsiders and Montgomerie is happy to let that remain the case.
"We are heavily, heavily underdogs again," he insisted.
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