PROUD Phillip Price revealed the secret behind his success after scooping Newport's Sports Personality of the Year - his wife, Sandra

"I couldn't have done any of it without her," revealed the 35-year-old Bassaleg golfer at the Newport Centre ceremony on Friday night, pictured with Sandra.

Price picked up the Newport Borough Council and Newport Sports Council award after beating off tough competition from last year's winning sprinter Christian Malcolm, triathlete Anneliese Heard and Wales netball star Emma Blanks.

The accolade recognised what was a gruelling but ultimately triumphant 2001, in which, Price had admitted he came under great personal stress to hang on to his European Ryder Cup place.

He holed the Portuguese Open and a string of runners-up spots early on during the European card and just edged inside the Ryder rankings after struggling later on in the year.

"It was tough," admitted Price who was delighted but "surprised" to win the Newport gong. "But I came through and you could say that making the Ryder Cup team was definitely my highlight in 2001."

Price is now preparing to defend his Portuguese title at the Algarve Open from April 4, but will not compete at the US Masters a few days later.

Don't miss your Argus this week for a full round-up and pictures of all the award winners.