Confidence is high for Dyson after Irish joy

The 33-year-old Yorkshireman took the first prize of over £221,000 a fortnight after finishing ninth in the Open – an event he went into as fifth reserve less than a week before it started.

“It’s a shame you can’t bottle how you feel sometimes,” said Dyson after his fifth European Tour victory was achieved when Australian Richard Green three-putted the last to lose by one.

“It’s amazing – it really is. The golf I’ve played this week is probably the best I’ve ever played.”

Two birdies in the final three holes for a closing 67 and 15-under-par total gave Dyson a place in this week’s WGC-Bridgestone Invitational in Akron and possibly a spot back in the world’s top 50.

“That was the main aim after the Open,” he added.

“I knew after that I could cut with the guys in the majors and I was thinking if I keep swinging it as I am I’m going to give myself chances.”

Green led for most of the last day and was one ahead when he matched Dyson’s two-putt birdie on the long 16th.

Dyson, though, pitched to three feet at the next to draw level and then, having missed from nine feet for a third successive birdie on the last, saw Green send a near 60-footer 10 feet past and miss the return.

“You always feel sorry for somebody when that happens,” added Dyson. “I would have much preferred to win it with a birdie, but I will take whatever I can get.”

Scot Stephen Gallacher was third on 12 under thanks to a closing birdie, with Austrian Bernd Wiesberger taking fourth.

At the start of the week it had all been about Ireland’s four major winners Darren Clarke, Rory McIlroy, Graeme McDowell and Padraig Harrington, but not one of them finished in the top 20.

McDowell came 25th and McIlroy 34th, while Harrington and Clarke, in his first appearance since winning the Open, both missed the cut.

Harrington, down from third in the world to 64th, has now decided to drop Bob Torrance as his coach after 15 years together.

“We are having a break because I am getting very frustrated,” said the Dubliner, who has not won in Europe or America since his 2008 US PGA triumph.

Torrance, the 79-year-old father of ex-Ryder Cup captain Sam, responded: “He’s like a son to me and I hope we can get back together. I wasn’t really expecting this, but I know he’s been unhappy. His game is in a bad shape because of his mind – I’ve said that to him – but he’s determined to make changes.”

McIlroy, 25th in the Open, has only just clung onto fourth place in the world as he heads back to America seven weeks after his runaway US Open triumph.

“It wasn’t the result I was looking for, but this was the first week of three,” said the 22-year-old after a closing 71.

“Next week is big, but the week after (the US PGA in Atlanta) is the most important one.

“I feel if I put the work in there’s no reason why I can’t have another good shot at a major.”

McDowell, one better on four under after a 70, stated: “I took some really good steps forward on my short game. I was dejected at the Open (he missed the cut there like Harrington), but my attitude was a lot better here.”

On Harrington’s off-course decision last year’s US Open champion added: “When things are tough for a long period the golf course is a lonely place and you question everything; your approach physically and mentally, coaches, manager, caddie.

“You soul search. Sometimes you need to change things and have someone else’s take on what you’re up to.”

Ross Fisher went straight off to visit his baby son Harry in hospital after finishing joint 17th in his failed defence of his title.

The four-month-old was taken ill on Saturday night and is likely to be kept in for observation for two more nights, according to the Ryder Cup player’s manager Conor Ridge.

Fisher was in a tie for fifth with a round to go, but after two early birdies left him only one off the lead he fell away to a two-over-par 73, nine adrift of winner and fellow Englishman Dyson.

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