Dyson packs for Open (From Gazette & Herald)

Dyson packs for Open

Malton and Norton Golf Club star Simon Dyson is to earn his stripes in America after qualifying for next week's US Open at the majestic Pinehurst course in North Carolina.

It will not only be 27-year-old Dyson's US Open debut, but the first time he will have wielded clubs competitively in America after his first attempt was halted by the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001.

Then, the rookie professional had qualified for the prestigious $5million American Express Championship after his startling inaugural year success as winner of the Asian Tour. But the Amex event, which had attracted the world's top golfers, was cancelled, as were all American sporting events, in the wake of the tragedy.

Now Dyson can take a hold of his dream after coming through the first-ever European qualifying tournament at Walton Heath in Surrey.

Dyson finished third in the 53-strong event. He posted impressive rounds of 67 and 70 to finish seven-under just behind fellow Brit Jonathan Lomas and Sweden's Peter Henson. Dyson and Lomas were also joined by Nick Dougherty as the three English representatives of the nine who qualified from Monday's historic Euro qualifier.

Getting through to Pinehurst for the US Open - one of golf's four majors - next week has meant that Dyson has had to call off a planned holiday in Spain with his girlfriend.

But the man, who is currently lying 49th in the European Tour Order of Merit, was unfazed by the sudden change of schedule. He said: "I went into the day with the attitude that if I didn't do it, it was no big deal. But doing it is fantastic."

One of his first tasks ahead of his debut is to contact Luke Donald, who has enjoyed fantastic success as one of the few English players on the US tour. Dyson and Donald were in the same Walker Cup winning-team at Ganton in 1999 when they were upcoming amateurs, prompting Dyson to enthuse: "I can't wait to ring him and tell him I'm coming over."

Updated: 10:58 Wednesday, June 08, 2005