Opportunity for Dyson to prosper alongside the game’s elite players

Dyson, the world No 29, begins his campaign in the 35-man, no-cut Volvo Golf Champions event at Fancourt Links in South Africa event, which includes last year’s European Tour winners and anyone with 10 or more victories on the circuit.

The is the perfect place for the Malton professional to begin his preparations for what could be a defining year.

The 34-year-old plays in all the majors this year and the World Golf Championship events, with a place in the top 15 in the world and a debut in the Ryder Cup in September his twin aims.

His two victories last year and a top 10 at the Open elevated him into the world’s top 50 and to more frequent invites into exclusive fields.

But on the two occasions he rubbed shoulders with the best – the Dubai World Championship and the Nedbank Challenge – he did not do himself justice.

After Fancourt, Dyson heads to the Abu Dhabi Championship and has also committed to playing the Shell Houston Open at the end of March.

Open champion Darren Clarke has followed the philosophy of his International Sports Management-stablemate Dyson by undergoing a strict fitness regime.

Clarke said: “My golf career has been extended somewhat by winning the Open Championship and I just thought that enough is enough and it was time to get myself into better shape.

“I’m very excited about the route that we’re going down.

“It’s a long road, but I will give it my best shot.”

n Middleham’s Jodi Ewart leads the final stage of qualfying school for the Ladies European Tour by four shots. The 24-year-old has just one round to go to seal her place as one of 30 qualifiers to the continent’s elite circuit.