MALTON & Norton Golf Club star Simon Dyson has returned to the sites of his greatest-ever triumph this week as he competes in Scotland for the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

During his 2006 to 2011 heyday when ranked in the world's top 50 players and the top eight on the European Tour, York-born Dyson won the KLM Open three times, the Irish Open and the Indonesia Open, but the most prized success must have been the prestigious Alfred Dunhill Links.

Those greats days now seem in the past, as problems with his left wrist led to the need for surgery over two years ago. Following a further seven months on the sidelines - and thoughts of giving up the professional game - he has since struggled for consistency back on the Tour and has tumbled down the rankings.

However, the 39-year-old will be hoping past memories can reignite some form this week.

This championship, starting today, takes in rounds at St Andrews' Old Course, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns, with the last - for those who make the cut - back at St Andrews on Sunday.

Dyson's magical rounds when he lifted the famous trophy in 2009 comprised a four-under-par 68 at Carnoustie, a six-under-par 66 on the Old Course and a four-under-par 68 at Kingsbarns, to see him return to St Andrews sharing second place with Northern Ireland sensation Rory McIlroy, one shot behind Luke Donald.

He then took the first prize of nearly £500,000 thanks to a six-under-par final round, giving him the crown by three shots.

Dyson’s European Tour struggles this year, however, continued last week as he failed to make the cut at the British Masters, held at Close House, Newcastle.

He found more consistency than of late but still ended on one over par for his two rounds. The cut came at one under.

Dyson carded a raft of pars but two birdies in round one could not make up for three bogeys. Round two brought two birdies and two bogeys. That tournament was won by Irishman Paul Dunne on 20 under par after four rounds, three shots ahead of McIlroy.