FIVE weeks of globetrotting comes to an end for Simon Dyson this week.

The York-born golf ace lines up in a star-studded Omega Dubai Desert Classic field looking for a big pay day before taking a well-earned European Tour break.

Malton & Norton GC stalwart Dyson has been on the road since his return to action from injury at the BMW SA Open in South Africa in early January.

He has since played in Johannesburg, Abu Dhabi and Qatar but has not entered the Tshwane Open in Pretoria next week and is presently below the cut-off point for the Maybank Championship, in Malaysia.

Dyson may have missed the cut in Doha last time out but the 38-year-old dug in, following a difficult first round 76, to record a three-under-par 69 and only fail to make the weekend by two shots.

It was his joint lowest round of the year and should give the six-time European Tour winner cause for optimism ahead of four days on an Emirates Golf Club course that sees world number three Rory McIlroy back to defend his title.

McIlroy's 22-under-par total 12 months ago made him the fourth multiple winner of the event and his 2009 victory, at the age of 19, was his first as a professional.

He is joined, in an all-star cast, by Ryder Cup stars Henrik Stenson, Martin Kaymer, Lee Westwood, Graeme McDowell and 2016 captain at Hazeltine, Darren Clarke.

Major champion Louis Oosthuizen and Yorkshire duo Danny Willett and Matt Fitzpatrick will also be among those fighting for a prize fund of two and a half million dollars.

Dyson tees off from the first tomorrow with Swede Magnus A Carlsson and England compatriot Edie Pepperell at 12.45pm UK time.