Ahead of this week’s U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, we caught up with Ryder Cup player Phillip Price during the Costa Navarino Legends Tour Trophy in Greece. Having competed in the infamous 2004 championship at the iconic venue, the Welshman reflected on the controversial conditions that defined that week, the one shot he would love to replay, and who he believes has the game to conquer Shinnecock this year.

As the golfing world returns to Shinnecock Hills, Price looks back on a U.S. Open that remains one of the most widely disputed in modern history.

When Price arrived at Shinnecock in 2004, he was among Europe’s leading players, fresh from his Ryder Cup heroics at The Belfry two years earlier. The Welshman opened with rounds of 70 and 73 to comfortably make the cut before enduring the brutal final-day conditions, eventually finishing tied 56th.

“The first two rounds, the course played really, really nicely,” recalled Price. “It was tough but fair. Six-under was leading and it was just a lovely test of golf.”

However, by Sunday, conditions had changed dramatically.

“They lost the course completely,” he said. “They underestimated how quick the greens were going to become.”

The final round became infamous as tournament officials were forced to water greens during play.

“My memory was them watering greens as we were playing, which isn’t really ideal. Not fair, actually.”

Price vividly remembers the severity of the conditions.

“On the putting green, I remember putting the putter down behind the ball and it slipping. That’s how quick they’d become. It was like putting on a snooker table.”

One moment still stands out over 20 years later.

“We played the 10th hole and I made an eight, and Craig Parry made an eight – and I kept the honour. It was ridiculous out there, to be honest.”

Despite the chaos, Price still rates Shinnecock among golf’s finest tests.

“Shinnecock is probably one of the best, fairest tests of difficult golf I’ve ever seen – just keep the course like we had it in the first couple of days.”

Looking ahead to this year’s championship, Price believes an all-round game will be key.

“You’ve got to be good at everything. Your irons have got to be pinpoint because as soon as you miss the green, you’ve got a problem.”

Asked who he is backing this week, Price highlighted two Ryder Cup stars.

“I like Rory McIlroy this year. Winning The Masters has hopefully freed him up.”

He also tipped Tommy Fleetwood to contend.

“I think he’s due to do well. He’s got a good solid game and is a really good ball striker.”

More than two decades on, Price’s memories are a reminder of why Shinnecock Hills remains one of golf’s most revered – and feared – championship venues.

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