MAJOR winner and one-time Ryder Cup captain Jose Maria-Olazabal was the distinguished partner accompanying York’s Simon Dyson on his return to European Tour duty today.

Dyson was one of the early starters from the tenth hole in the first round of the Tshwane Open at the Copperleaf Golf & Country Estate in the South African city of Centurion.

South Africa’s Darren Fichardt completed the three-ball, with the 35-year-old Dyson aiming to replicate his solid putting form from last week’s the Sunshine Tour event at Fancourt, also in South Africa.

At Fancourt, he posted a creditable joint ninth position and also saw his world ranking remain unaltered. The Malton & Norton GC star remains at 83.

Knaresborough-born John Parry, who plays out of Harrogate GC, was due to start from hole one today alongside South African duo Alex Haindl and Lyle Rowe.

Rotherham’s Danny Willett – coached by former European Tour pro Graham Walker at The Oaks GC – has 2011 Open winner Darren Clarke as one of his playing partners.