Major doors open up as Dyson plans to capitalise on success

Victory at the Home of Golf was the biggest of many giant strides made by the 32-year-old from Malton in 2009 and in 2010 he will reap the benefits.

Statistically speaking he was the highest climber in the top 10 of last season's Order of Merit, rising from 55th in 2008 to eighth 12 months later, thanks to wins in Holland and at St Andrew's in one of the most prestigious events on the tour.

Dyson also recorded six top 10s in his most consistent year since breaking onto the tour in 2000, but it was the career-defining triumph in Scotland which elevated him into the world's top 50 for the first time in his career and into all the top events that such a triumph unlocks for the lucky few.

He will make his debut at Augusta for the Masters in April, backed by an army of more than a dozen friends and family from just outside York, and will also compete at golf's three other major tournaments.

The Open, US Open and US PGA are familiar events for the former English Amateur runner-up – he has made 10 appearances in majors – but playing in all four in one year is perhaps the biggest lock he opened in 2009.

Dyson will also compete in the full complement of World Golf Championship events over the coming 12 months, starting with the World Matchplay in Arizona in February.

The only door he is yet to unlock is that to the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor in October, but he has as good a chance as anyone of kicking that one down and earning his place in Colin Montgomerie's team on merit.

"I'm not really thinking about the Ryder Cup just yet" Dyson told the Yorkshire Post this week from the Far East, where he was spending New Year.

"If I do get into it, then that would be fantastic, if not, then I'll just have to wait my turn."

With so many guaranteed opportunities to look forward to in 2010, there is no need to cloud the horizon with dreams of something that is not yet certain.

His run of form at the back end of 2009 coincided with the start of the points system to qualify for Montgomerie's European line-up and because of that he is already handily placed.

He can give a timely reminder to Captain Monty in Bangkok next week when he represents Europe – captained by the Scot – in the Royal Trophy against Asia.

That will be his first action for six weeks and sparks a busy three months when he will circumnavigate the globe competing in tournaments in the Far East, the Middle East and America, culminating in that Masters debut in April.

"I cannot wait for Augusta. It's been a dream of mine since I was 10 years old," beamed Dyson, whose missed the cut at the US Open last June in his only major appearance of 2009.

"And I'm really proud that I've earned my way into the tournament as well. I've already got about 15 family and friends heading out there to support me.

"I've always had to qualify for the majors, particularly the Opens, so it's nice this year that I don't have to worry about any of that. It gives me a few more days off to relax and look ahead.

"That win in Scotland, which still hasn't really sunk in, has opened up a completely different season for me in 2010. I'm in all the majors for the first time and all the WGC events.

"I'll also play in America a bit more.

"If I get off to a good start out there I may stick around and see how the season develops.

"If not I'll come back to Europe and try and qualify for the Dubai World Championship again."

No stranger to seeking his fortune away from his home continent – he made his name as a serial winner on the Asian Tour before establishing himself in Europe – Dyson begins his US Tour odyssey at Pebble Beach in the AT&T Pro-Am on February 11. The following week he makes his debut in the WGC Accenture Matchplay at Dove Mountain, Arizona.

It is all a far cry from 12 months ago when he came off a trying 2008 which saw him change club manufacturer and struggle to adapt to the feel of new equipment.

After a chat with father John and coach Pete Cowen at the start of 2009, he decided to knuckle down and concentrate hard on his game. It was a decision which reaped rewards.

"I re-dedicated myself and worked out quite a bit, but mainly it's down to confidence," he revealed.

"After winning in Holland I finished seventh at the European Masters, played in the Vivendi Trophy and then went and won at St Andrews.

"That five- or-six-week spell was massive for me.

"I always used to wonder how the top guys felt when they were at the top of their confidence. I found that out in the autumn because the confidence just spread through me like wildfire.

"It was a great feeling."

If he carries on his form over the coming months then there could be one or two more great feelings for Dyson to experience – including the Ryder Cup in October.

Dyson's key appointments in 2010

n January 8-10: The Royal Trophy, Bangkok – debut.

n February 11-14: The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, California – debut.

n February 17-21: The WGC Accenture Matchplay, Arizona – debut.

n April 8-11: The Masters Tournament, Augusta, pictured right – debut.

n June 17-20: The US Open, Pebble Beach – third appearance.

n July 15-18: The Open Championship, St Andrew's – seventh appearance.

n August 12-15: The

US PGA Championship, Whistling Straits – third appearance.

n September 9-12: KLM Open, Holland – defends title.

n October 1-3: Ryder Cup, Celtic Manor – Not yet qualified.

n October 7-10: Alfred Dunhill Links, Scotland – defends title.

n November 25-28: Dubai World Championship, Dubai – Not yet qualified.