SIMON DYSON has an early start as he tees off in the Turkish Airlines Open today.
The York-born golfer is in the second group out (6.55am GMT) at the Montgomerie Maxx Royal course, in Antalya, with fellow countryman David Lynn and Frenchman Romain Wattel.
The $7 million tournament is the penultimate event before the cash laden World Tour Championship, in Dubai, which ends the European Tour season.
The world number 119 is already guaranteed to be part of that field, standing at 35th in the order of merit, but the Malton & Norton GC star will want to put in a good display ahead of next week's hostilities.
Having not competed in the World Golf Championships - HSBC Champions event in Shanghai last week, Dyson will need to be at his best up against a star-studded field.
The majority of Europe's Ryder Cup-winning team, including Sergio Garcia, Henrik Stenson, Lee Westwood, Martin Kaymer, Victor Dubuisson and Ian Poulter, are among a field of 78 that also boasts former Open champion Darren Clarke and Colin Montgomerie, who is making his 600th European Tour appearance.
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