Philip Price, one of the stars of The 2002 Ryder Cup, will become the latest player to make their European Senior Tour debut as he turns 50 on the day of the first round of the Senior Italian Open Presented by Villaverde Resort.
The Welshman, who secured a crucial point for the European team at The Belfry, beating then World Number Two Phil Mickelson 3&2, will tee off at Golf Club Udine as the Senior Tour returns to Italy for the first time since 2010.
Price, who won on three occasions on the European Tour, says that his debut tomorrow has been a few years in the making.
“It’s really exciting,” said Price. “It’s been over two years since I played regularly on Tour. It has been a bit of a waiting game, turning 50, but that day arrives tomorrow.
“I’ve been waiting two years for this. I’m really enthused and looking forward to playing against people my own age. I want my Senior Tour career to last as long as it can.
“There aren’t any nerves today, but there may be a few tomorrow. Fortunately, I’ve seen enough of the guys over the last few years that it doesn’t feel odd. I’ve played a couple of events where we play over 48s, so I’ve seen everyone a little bit.”
Although disappointed his birthday falls so late in the year, Price is looking forward to teeing it up alongside his fellow professionals, including former amateur partner Stephen Dodd, who also made his debut earlier this year.
“We were partners when we played amateur golf for Wales, me and Doddy,” he said. “It’s funny how we’ve turned 50 in the same year and come here together.
“It’s a shame my birthday is so late in the year, but it gives me a bit more time to hone my game and be ready for the first tournament in 2017.”
Joining Price in the 57-man field is fellow Ryder Cup hero, and home favourite, Costantino Rocca. The three-time Ryder Cup player said he is excited to play his first Senior Tour tournament on home soil since 2010.
“I play in my home country every day, but this tournament is very important for Italian golf,” said Rocca. “It’s good for everyone because the Senior Tour will benefit from having this tournament here and we want to keep it going as long as we can.
“There are six years to go until the Ryder Cup, but it feels like it’s coming tomorrow, time is going very fast.
“It’s good that we have had tournaments for younger players on the European Challenge Tour and the Italian Open on the European Tour. It’s good that we are able to improve golf in Italy in every way.”
