Welsh star Phillip Price can’t wait to test himself against another links gem as the defending champion looks to retain his Irish Legends title at Seapoint Golf Links from Thursday.
With the sun set to split the stones for the opening day, off the back of a monumental stretch of weather on Ireland’s east coast, Seapoint should be about as firm as fiery as one would hope a traditional links test could be as the legends of the game descend upon it.
Price picked up a hat-trick of Legends Tour titles last year at Rosapenna and while he fell in love with the Donegal layout, he’s ready to embrace a new challenge this week and put up a stout trophy defence.
“I loved the course [last year],” Price said. “I was disappointed in 2021, not winning, because I led going into the last day, Thomas (Bjorn) played great shooting a 66, a worthy champion, but I probably felt like I deserved that one.”
“It’s been a slow start to the season, but I saw some improvement in Jersey last time out with a T6 finish,” he added.
“I’m looking forward to playing another great Irish links course. I’m excited to try and defend my Irish Legends title.”
Measuring 7,150 yards from the tips, Seapoint is no slouch when it comes to testing top tier players. Thursday’s opening day looks set to be most benign before the wind picks up into the weekend to keep players honest and the record books protected.
Price still believes players will be on the attack given the warmer conditions and expects ball control to prove key to a would-be champion’s winning aspirations.
“With the weather looking milder than last year, there should be more chance of attacking the course,” he said.
“Its best defence would be dry conditions which will make it difficult to control the ball on the greens.”
Price was part of Europe’s winning Ryder Cup team in 2002 and he’ll be teeing it up alongside other Ryder Cup legends, Ian Woosnam & Paul Lawrie. Plus 2005 US Open champion, Michael Campbell. A field of 60 professionals will battle it out to become the 2023 Irish Legends champion.
TICKETS
You can come and see the legends and sporting celebrities up close as tickets are available HERE – tickets start from just £10, with juniors (under 16) free of charge!
Full field HERE
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