Newport's Price hits form to lead in Morocco (From South Wales Argus)

Newport's Price hits form to lead in Morocco

8:04pm Friday 23rd March 2012 in Golf roundup

FORMER Ryder Cup hero Phillip Price, from Newport, has a real chance to re-ignite his career after a second round 66 at the Hassan Trophy in Morocco.

Strong winds prevented any play before 1pm, but the 45-year-old then moved onto the 10 under par halfway total of 134.

He is one ahead of Spaniard Jose Manuel Lara overnight, although the round has still to be completed.

First day leader Damien McGrane, for example, managed only five holes and parred them all to remain seven under.

Price has not finished among Europe’s top 100 money-winners since 2004 and last season held onto his card by little more than £1,000.

Forever to be remembered for his victory over Phil Mickelson at the Belfry a decade ago, he is chasing his first victory for nine years. Helped by holing a bunker shot on the short 16th - his seventh - Price had six birdies and did not drop a stroke all day.

“I’m delighted with that,” he said.

“When we started and it was still windy I thought it was going to be a struggle. It was rather unpleasant and I’m amazed how calm it got.

“I had five hours waiting around and twice went to the tee. It’s frustrating - you can’t keep getting yourself into the right mood and you kind of go flat on the range, so I’m rather pleased with my response. It’s been a long time since I’ve been anywhere near a leaderboard. It’s nice to be up there.”