As one of the most consistent performers on the Staysure Tour, Phillip Price is a name which has become a regular sight towards the top of the leaderboard.
In the last two years, Price has 20 top ten finishes to his name on the over-50s circuit – more than any other player – and this year ensured his name would forever be etched in the record books as the winner of the 2019 John Jacobs Trophy for topping the Order of Merit.
One of the biggest factors in his John Jacobs Trophy triumph, in addition to his consistency, was his victory at the Staysure PGA Seniors Championship in August.
The tournament at London Golf Club is one of the most lucrative on the Staysure Tour International Schedule and, according to the three-time European Tour winner, the four-round event suited his pursuit for glory more than the usual 54-hole tournaments.
“Winning was a big thing for me this year,” Price said. “I had won in 2017 having played three times in Europe, then to have such a consistent year but not get a trophy in 2018 was okay, not a big problem, but to win something this year would have been nice.
“I was contending so often, I just needed a week where I was playing a little better. I’d been playing pretty nicely, not great at any point, but I felt pretty confident that something was going to go my way somewhere and then the Staysure PGA came my way.
“The 72-hole tournament probably suits me a little more. I’m a little bit more consistent than most, when I’m having a bad day I’m normally okay as well. It was a good tournament with a good venue and good field.
“It was nice to win because it was a big tournament. We had all the best players there; a couple came over from Australia and America, Monty played it and London Golf Club was a great venue. I think it was the biggest tournament we play, other than a Major, so that made it more special.”
That special occasion was made all the more memorable for the 2002 Ryder Cup winner, as his family were walking the fairways with him as he clinched his second Staysure Tour victory.
“My wife and daughter were always going to be there but then my son decided to come down for the weekend,” he said. “It was probably a boost to have the moral support of the family there and it was nice for them to be there when we all picked up the trophy on Sunday.
“All they’ve ever seen are videos, they’ve never actually been there. I think my son said on the back nine that he’s never been so nervous! To get the job done and for us all to celebrate that was quite special.”
