WEARY Phil Price will relax and get some much-needed rest before the Scottish Open tomorrow.

The tricky Loch Lomond course is the next port of call for Newport's Ryder Cup star (pictured) after his Smurfit Open victory at the K Club in Ireland last weekend.

The 36-year-old, however, is the first to admit he's unsure how he will react after his first European Tour win for more than two years.

Before his success in Kildare, Price's only other European Tour wins were in Portugal. His opening victory was at the Portuguese Open in March 1994 and, after a seven-year wait, he lifted the Algarve Open in April 2001.

Immediately after those achievements, Price was just another also-ran during his next outings.

And Bassaleg-based Price last night admitted: "I don't quite know how I'll react at Loch Lomond.

"The win has certainly boosted my confidence no end but I do feel quite jaded because it was a long weekend.

"I'm not sure if I'll have an extra impetus or if I'll be worn out. Freshness is crucial in golf. You can never perform well if you're tired.

"So, I'll only practice a little as I prepare for the Scottish Open and do a lot of relaxing. Maybe I'll have a swim and a Jacuzzi and basically I'll put my feet up.

"It was a weight off my mind winning the Smurfit Open. I hadn't won for a while and it was starting to nag away at me slightly.

"I just wanted to play well - and I did.

"Lifting the trophy was a great feeling, but I honestly don't know how I'll react in Loch Lomond.

"I would have preferred a week off to celebrate my win with family and friends, but never mind. I'll do that now in a couple of weeks time."

Blackwood's Bradley Dredge will also tee-off at the Scottish Open tomorrow alongside fellow Welshman Ian Woosnam.

Six Major champions will also compete north of the border including Ernie Els, winner three years ago at Loch Lomond and the current leader of the Volvo Order of Merit.

Completing the group are South Africa's Retief Goosen, Scotland's Sandy Lyle, Jos Maria Olazbal of Spain and two Americans, John Daly and Phil Mickelson.