SIMON Dyson could safely say Glasgow belonged to him today after the North Yorkshire king of clubs qualified for The Open.

The 26-year-old Malton and Norton Golf Club ace continued his upswing in form by winning the qualifier at Glasgow Gailes by no fewer than four shots to fire him through as the only Yorkshire representative when Thursday's Open starts at Royal Troon.

However, there was anguish for Fulford GC assistant professional Jamie Ashworth. His valiant attempt ended at Western Gailes, one of the other three courses staging qualifying events. Ashworth missed out by five shots.

Dyson's charge for one of only three available places at Glasgow Gailes was propelled on a searing first day when his putter was furnace-hot. Dyson fired seven birdies for a six-under-par 65 that swept him into what proved an unassailable lead. He followed that with a one-over-par 72 for a 137 total that was four shots better than his nearest rival.

Said the man, who has battled gamely back from losing his European Tour card last year with two runners-up spots and a fourth place in the last few months: "I've been putting solid this past two months and to bring it here and win this one is really nice.

"The bonus is the chance to play (at Royal Troon) this week."

It will be Dyson's third appearance in the Open and he feels he will be far better equipped to cope with the pressure after steeling himself to tournament play over the past four years.

He played in the Millennium Open at St Andrew's where he fired rounds of 72 and 74 to just miss the half-way cut by two shots. The following year in 2001 Dyson's second Open bid also perished at the mid-point after rounds of 77 and 73 left him six off the cut.

Added Dyson: "On reflection I still felt half an amateur when I played here before."

For 23-year-old Ashworth the Western Gailes course proved just a little too tough to tame. The Fulford assistant - trying for the sixth time to qualify for the Open, was two-over after the first day with a 73, followed by a 74 yesterday to leave him five shots adrift of an eventual four-way play-off to determine the three qualifying slots.

It was a lack of putting touch that cost Ashworth the chance of achieving his long-held dream of playing in The Open.

He said: "I only had the five birdies in the two days and a lot of pars. But every birdie chance was like a crock of gold and I didn't take mine.

"I needed to shoot something like two-under in the second round, but it just wasn't there. It was tough, especially the last five holes which were right into the wind."

Despite his disappointment, Ashworth was heartened by his experience, especially of the links nature of the Western Gailes course. He added: "It was just a great course, the type I seldom get to play on. It was a great experience and it was quite encouraging."

Updated: 10:54 Monday, July 12, 2004