NEWPORT'S Phillip Price enjoyed the perfect preparation for the The Senior Open on home soil by overturning a three-shot deficit to win his first European Senior Tour title in Germany.

Price, a member of Europe's victorious 2002 Ryder Cup side, started the day three strokes behind American Clark Dennis at the WINSTONgolf Open in Vorbeck.

The 50-year-old Welshman raced into the lead after making five birdies over the first six holes and bogeys on the 11th and 13th holes were cancelled out by gains on the 12th and 15th.

Price needed to par the last to secure his first over-50s title by one shot after Thailand's Thaworn Wiratchant equalled the course record on the links course to finish on 13 under par.

On the 18th, Price missed the green with his second shot but expertly pitched on, leaving six feet and two putts for a 14 under total score and a maiden Senior Tour victory.

"I played nice early on and managed to hang on at the end," said Price. "Clark was three ahead but I got off to a flier and I was four under after four holes. I knew I needed to do something because he was three ahead and he could have gone off into the distance.

"It was a little awkward going down the back nine because I three-putted on the 13th. But I knew I had two birdie chances coming in; I saw Wiratchant parred the last, so that made things a little easier.

"I'm a little light on Senior titles, so it's nice to get one under my belt now."

A three-time European Tour winner, Price had previously finished second, tied fourth and tied eighth in regular Senior Tour events.

Price's next appearance will be at the Senior Open Championship at Royal Porthcawl Golf Club from from July 27 to 30.

"This course is ideal preparation," he said in Germany. "My game is in good order, we're playing at a local course, I'll be staying at home and there will be home support. I can really take some confidence into that week."

Price will be going up against Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer, Paul McGinley, Colin Montgomerie, Jose Maria Olazabal, Sam Torrance, Ian Woosnam, Tom Lehman, Corey Pavin, Tom Watson and Vijay Singh in Porthcawl with Paul Broadhurst defending his title as part of a 144 field.