Dyson heads to Scotland for Dunhill in positive frame of mind

Malton’s Dyson, who is up to a career-high 30th in the world rankings after two wins this summer, claimed the biggest prize of his career when he won the event in 2009.

He also finished fifth in his defence of the title 12 months ago, on a weekend when Yorkshire players featured prominently over the closing holes.

Sheffield’s Danny Willett earned the highest finish of his fledgling career when he came home second behind Martin Kaymer, while Knaresborough’s John Parry was third, shortly after clinching his first title on the European Tour.

Hull’s Richard Finch has not been as proflific at the revered links tournament, which requires the players to play 18 holes at St Andrews, Kingsbarns and Carnoustie before a final 18 at the ‘Home of Golf’. But Finch is in good form and has a place in the top 60 on the Race to Dubai standings to protect.

Halifax Bradley Hall’s Andrew Whitworth won the Halifax Huddersfield and District Union of Golf Clubs’ match-play championship for the 11th time at Bradley Park.

The 50-year-old, who has represented and captained the Union on many occasions and who first triumphed in 1983, defeated Huddersfield’s Brad Tupman, 33, four and three in the 36-hole final.

n Open champion Darren Clarke admits he would put his personal opinion to one side and play at Gleneagles next year if he needed to qualify for the Ryder Cup.

Clarke has been scathing in his criticism of the PGA Centenary Course at Gleneagles, which will stage the 2014 Ryder Cup and also host the final qualifying event for Europe’s team in 2012.

And although the 43-year-old Ulsterman stands by his criticism of the course, he would be prepared to play there next autumn if he needed points to make Jose Maria Olazabal’s side to defend the trophy at Medinah in Chicago.

Speaking about the Centenary Course during the 2007 Johnnie Walker Championship, Clarke said: “I’m going to be ripped for saying what I’ve said. But I just can’t see it as a Ryder Cup golf course, and it’s a shame.”

Asked yesterday if he would play at Gleneagles next year, Clarke said: “Very good question. If I had to go back I definitely would. The Ryder Cup is much more important than my personal opinion.”