SIMON DYSON bids to wear the crown of Irish Open champion once again as he returns to the European Tour after a three week absence.

Last seen recording a tied 21st finish in the Nordea Masters, the 36-year-old is paired with Australia’s Brett Rumford and Ireland’s Simon Thornton in the two million euro event at the Fota Island Resort in County Cork, which gets under way today.

Dyson won the fifth of his six Tour titles when winning the Irish Open, then staged at Killarney, three years ago and the York-born golfer can go into the event in good heart.

Having finished fifth in the flagship BMW Championship at Wentworth at the end of last month, the Malton & Norton golf ace now stands at 146 in the world rankings and 29th in the Race to Dubai standings.