Houston was perfect Masters warm-up, says Dyson

The 32-year-old Malton golfer, four times a winner on the European Tour, has a smattering of experience of playing in America in the US Open and US PGA majors, plus the World Golf Championship events.

But he has never contested a regular Tour event until being invited to compete in the Shell Houston Open on the eve of his Augusta bow this Thursday.

Dyson began solidly with rounds of 73 and 71 ensuring safe passage to the weekend. And although he imploded with a 78 on Saturday, he rescued his week with a 72 last night at Redstone.

"I just had two bad holes on Saturday," he said last night before departing for Georgia.

"I'd given myself plenty of chances but had a triple and a double bogey and they just ruin your scorecard.

"You're never going to recover from those.

"It was good to experience my first regular US Tour event.

"The whole purpose was to get four rounds under my belt and that's exactly what I said to myself when I was going through that rough patch," he added.

Anthony Kim edged out fellow American Vaughn Taylor in a play-off to lift the trophy in Houston.

Yorkshire made it two wins from two as they continue their preparations for the Northern Counties challenge this summer when they beat Lincolnshire 11.5-6.5 at Seacroft.

Eighteen-year-old Paul Lockwood (Hessle) continued his impressive start to life representing the county with wins in the foursomes with James Smedley (Hallowes), and in the singles.

Lockwood helped the East Riding Union win the Inter-District title last season.

Liam O'Neill (Keighley) and Martin Brown (Pike Hills) were the other double points winners.