NORTH Yorkshire's Simon Dyson was today back in Scotland - the home of golf, where he made an historic Open appearance in the summer.

Dyson opened his campaign in the unique Dunhill Links Championship in which Europe's top players compete on three separate courses - St Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns - before the top 60 go through to the final day at St Andrews on Sunday.

The Malton and Norton GC star was at Carnoustie today after being paired with Lee Slattery, the Irishman who topped last year's European Challenge Tour to earn his place on the European Tour proper.

Dyson will be bidding for a solid impact on all three courses over the first 54 holes to ensure he is in the shake-up for the final day at St Andrews, where in June he had the distinction of teeing off the first shot in the Open Championship.

Currently Dyson is in 51st place on the European Order of Merit with earnings so far this year topping £257,000 and if he does well in the Dunhill he would not only improve his Euro ranking but also force his way closer to the top 150 in the world. Presently he is 171st.

Updated: 10:34 Thursday, September 29, 2005