“Butlin’s is not a good venue for me. Always freezing cold there” – Gerwyn Price criticises the home of the UK Open

Gerwyn Price hopes to finally get his name on the UK Open roll of honour this year. Yet according to “The Iceman,” it’s anything but his favourite tournament to play in. The former world champion admitted he often struggles with the conditions at the Minehead venue.

Price reached the final of the UK Open in 2017 and 2020, but had to concede to Peter Wright and Michael van Gerwen, respectively. Since then, the 40-year-old Welshman hasn’t come that close to the title again. Even so, the UK Open remains high on his wish list. “The ones that I haven’t won, like the UK Open and Players Championship Finals — there are a few on the list that I want to tick off," Price explained to Red Dragon Darts.

According to Price, a win at the prestigious TV event would also be an important step toward returning to the very top of the world rankings. The Welshman is currently ranked 11th in the world, but has shown in the past that he can be among the best players on tour. “If I go and win that and get myself back up the rankings, it’s just going to build on the confidence and make things easier going forward."

Still, Price also sees a clear reason why he has struggled with the tournament in the past. He believes the conditions at Butlin’s Minehead Resort don’t suit him. I feel like Butlin’s is not a good venue for me. I don’t know why — the surroundings, and it is always freezing cold there," he notes.

Those conditions, he says, make it especially difficult to produce his best game. “It is a difficult place to play. I just think now if I get to these semis and finals, I just have to take the opportunities.”

The UK Open is also known for its unique format. Unlike many other major tournaments, a fresh draw is made after each round, meaning players don’t know in advance who they’ll face. That leads to surprising match-ups and unexpected results every year.

Price doesn’t necessarily see that as a disadvantage. “It is great. You can draw anyone; the hardest part is not knowing who you are going to be playing. I prepare as if I am playing the first game."

Price has long been known as one of the most explosive scorers on Tour. With his powerful throw and heavy scoring, he can pile enormous pressure on opponents in a short time. According to the Welshman, his peak level still ranks among the best on the PDC Tour.

“I think if I am at my ultimate best, I am probably one of the toughest to beat," he proclaims. “I’m not sure if it is the best, but I believe it is. If you look at other players like Michael [van Gerwen] and the Lukes, when their A-game is there it is good."

“But I still back myself anytime. I just want to try and continue the form. Even though I am playing alright and it is good to miss a few tournaments to recharge your batteries," Price concludes. “I just think whilst the momentum is there I need to keep moving forward and play as much as I can. I am only going to be sat in the house and keeping an eye on ProTour’s to see how people are doing. It is better to be there in the situation playing.”

Time will tell if that confidence brings rewards this weekend in Minehead.

With his current form, Price mainly wants to keep playing. While many players sometimes skip events deliberately to rest, he sees little point in that at the moment.

“It’s good to miss a few tournaments now and then to recharge your batteries,” he said. “But I think that when the momentum is there, you should just keep going.”

For Price, it’s clear: better at the oche than at home on the couch. “Otherwise I’m just sitting at home following the ProTours to see how everyone’s doing,” he concluded. “You might as well just be there yourself and play.”