GWENT golf hero Phillip Price says local support can spur him on to victory in next month's Celtic Manor Wales Open.

Price, who finished seventh in the event last year after challenging for the first three days, said: "The crowd do give you a bit of an extra lift. It is a different experience for me to have people surrounding me.

"I think it gives you a lot of energy and drive and the important thing is that you channel that.

"It would be really nice to win this one. I view the Wales Open as big as any event I play in and it is a big ambition of mine to win it.

"When it comes to this event and with me leading the way a bit in Welsh terms, it makes you want to produce the goods that little bit more."

Price, who was at the resort yesterday with fellow Ryder Cup player Lee Westwood to promote the event, admitted that the backing of the galleries brings added pressure.

He said: "I think because of the support, you feel a duty to perform, so that is an added pressure.

"It can also be hard to get around as you are a bit surrounded, so it is important to be focused."

The 2002 Ryder Cup hero said his steady rise to the top of the European game and his ascent into the world's top 50 had raised his own expectations.

He said: "The next step for me is winning world tour events and major championships, as well as winning more regularly on the European Tour.

"I won the European Open last year (at The K Club in Ireland, venue for the 2006 Ryder Cup) and that was a massive tournament. That's what I want to be doing regularly and competing on the world stage."

The Celtic Manor £1.5m event tees off on June 3 and organisers boast their most accomplished field in its five-year history with Colin Montgomerie, Ian Woosnam, Paul Casey, Michael Campbell and Lee Westwood among those competing.

Three out of the four former champions will also be present, namely defending champion Ian Poulter, 2002 champ and former Open winner Paul Lawrie and the previous year's winner Paul McGinley.

Westwood said the Wales Open came at a vital time is his season.

He said: "It is a fantastic set-up at Celtic Manor and the facilities are superb.

"This event comes at a big time in the season as the next four weeks are a big run of events and there is a lot of money and Ryder Cup points available.

"And the Wales Open is ideal preparation for the US Open the following week."