Patience the key as Dyson hopes to find missing spark

The 33-year-old Malton professional is a streaky player and one who, when the bit is between his teeth, is a match for most.

He finished eighth in the Race to Dubai two years ago after two wins in late summer.

That run propelled him into the top 50 in the world and into the previously uncharted territory of playing every major in a calender year in 2010.

His valiant attempt to qualify for the Ryder Cup team at Celtic Manor went down to the final ranking tournament before it came up short. After that gusty effort, he said the Ryder Cup had been a real spur to his game.

But aside from a highly-creditable third-place finish at the BMW PGA Championship that has thrust him back into the top 30 in this season’s Race to Dubai, Dyson’s current form suggests his game is ticking along without any real goals.

When asked if he had set any more targets for the year by the Yorkshire Post, Dyson conceded: “No, not really to be honest. I maybe should go back to it.

“I have nothing specific in terms of targets.

“My main aim would be to get into the top 15 in the Order of Merit.

“I was top eight two years ago so I know I can do it.

“Top 15 opens doors to all the majors and the World Golf Championships, and that’s where I want to be.”

So there remains a flicker of determination for a man who is only ever one good week away from re-igniting his season.

Only in the Open because others withdrew, Dyson has a bank of major experience to fall back on – this is his 15th major and eighth Open – and he has learned what the key ingredient for success is.

“Patience. You have to be patient,” said Dyson, whose best finish in a major was sixth at the 2007 US PGA when he stormed through the field on the final day.

“The key to links golf, to major championship golf more than any other, is patience. A golf tournament is played over four days.

“A lot of guys will fire out of the blocks on the Thursday and the Friday and then fade over the weekend and end up outside the top 30.

“And just as crucially, you get guys who have been top 30 all week just putting it all together in the final round and shooting up the leaderboard and into contention.

“So you’ve got to be patient.

“My game feels in good shape and, encouragingly, I found a little something on the driving range that reminded me of something I hit on when I was at Wentworth.”

Dyson’s best at an Open is tied 34th at St Andrews six years ago, but, with a wealth of experience of playing links golf during his amateur days, he knows he should have a better record.

“I’m a ‘feel’ player, if I get out on the course and I like it I can have a really good week,” said Dyson who tees off at 7.25am with Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn and American Gary Woodland.

“I’ve always been like that at St Andrews.

“I just love links courses.”