Dredge ready for top table

Dredge is comfortable mixing it at the highest level

Ian Woosnam will be a familiar face at the EMC World Cup in Mexico (12-15 December), but his Wales partner Bradley Dredge is ready to stride out and join him on the world stage.

Dredge has enjoyed a fine season, leaving him the highest-placed Welshmen in the world rankings (67th).

The 29-year-old first joined the European Tour in 1994, but admits he found it hard to cope with the limelight.

Ian and I are playing well and we'll carry that form in

Bradley Dredge

"When I started I'd see people like Ernie Els wandering around and I'd want to ask for their autograph," he told BBC Wales.

"Now I've got the experience of playing against these top guys. I'm comfortable with it, and next year will set out to beat them!"

The Tredegar golfer has enjoyed an excellent season, culminating in his strong third place at the Volvo Masters in 2002.

Volvo Masters 2002

He admits that the success has changed his lifestyle on the circuit.

Dredge hopes Woosnam's experience will help him through

"I'll be travelling to Mexico business class rather than economy. On a 12-hour flight it makes a big difference.

"You also get to stay in the better hotels and socialise with the leading players. It all helps with your confidence."

Dredge will be representing his country for the first time as a professional, but feels sure that Woosnam's experience will help him through.

"You're worried about your partner in a team game, especially in the foursomes, but it's a team effort.

"I haven't played with Ian this year, but he has a good attitude on course.

Wales has beaten America once already this year, so hopefully we can do it again

Bradley Dredge

"There's no Retief Goosen or Ernie Els in the field, but Ian and I are playing well and we'll carry that form in."

The pair will seek inspiration from the man who provided Welsh golf's moment of 2002, Phil Price.

Price claims shock win

Price's memorable win over world number two Phil Mickelson set Europe on their way to victory over the USA at the Ryder Cup in September.

"Wales has beaten America once already this year, so hopefully we can do it again," said Dredge.

"The Ryder Cup was a huge lift to everyone on the European Tour."

Price misses World Cup bid