WELSHMAN Jamie Donaldson is hoping to take a leaf out of Phillip Price’s book when it comes to producing heroic and dramatic displays in the Ryder Cup.

The 38-year old Pontypridd-putter is following in Price’s footsteps as the last Welshman to represent Wales in the event against the USA, Price famously beating Phil Mickelson in the singles in 2002 and Donaldson is hoping to emulate him next week at Gleneagles.

Wales has since had a 12-year hiatus from being represented by a player in the 12-man team, though Ian Woosnam has skippered Europe and Newport of course has staged a Ryder Cup since Newport-based Price stunned the golfing world.

But Donaldson is ready to fly the flag and admits the perfect way to ensure he’s prepared for Gleneagles would be to win the Wales Open and become the first Welsh winner in what the European Tour has confirmed is the last ISPS Handa Wales Open, for now...

"If I can win again going into the Ryder Cup then you absolutely can't be more ready," said Donaldson.

"The good thing is that the form has been good of late so whatever happens I'll be going into the Ryder Cup on good form.”

Donaldson has been a fan of the event since childhood.

“I have always enjoyed watching it, I remember Seve Ballesteros and Ole (Jose Maria Olazabal) as a partnership, Nick Faldo beating Curtis Strange, that sort of thing, lots of things.

“I have talked with Phil Price this week, he gave me the same advice as a lot of other people who have played in it before which is basically ‘enjoy it.’

“The closer we get, the more excited I become, but I am here in the Wales Open and I have to focus on that and shake off any rust I developed by taking a fortnight off to change nappies.

“It’s very exciting, I love coming back here to play and it could be the last year of the Wales Open, hopefully not, but it’s lovely to come back and play in Wales and support my home tournament.”

Even as he closes in on 40, Donaldson admits he never doubted he could reach these levels.

“I always kept the faith I’d get here in my career, I am 38 and about to become a rookie in the Ryder Cup,” he quipped.

“We are always learning on Tour and managing your career that little bit better and now I am just really looking forward to starting.

“I am still improving as a player, all the time, every year and the stats show it in my career, but the older you get, and the harder it is to improve!”