SIMON Dyson’s drive for Ryder Cup qualification takes on new urgency – starting at this week’s 3 Irish Open.

The 32-year-old Malton & Norton Golf Club ace, pictured, tees off at the Killarney Golf and Fishing Club on Thursday in the three million euro event at the start of a run of tournaments which he hopes can catapult him into the European side.

After making the cut at the Open Championship at St Andrews a week ago, Dyson took a week off but now gets back into gear in County Kerry before travelling to Ohio for the World Golf Championship Bridgestone Invitation.

The final major of the year, the USPGA Championship at Whistling Straits, follows afterwards and Dyson knows good displays could plant him back in European captain Colin Montgomerie’s thoughts.

After being in contention for the best part of a year, Dyson has dropped to 15th on the points list.