SIMON DYSON opened his challenge in the World Golf Championship Bridgestone Invitational with a two-over par round of 72 at Firestone Golf Club in Ohio.

The 32-year-old York golfer bogeyed the par-four fourth hole, but reached the turn at one-under after birdie threes at the eighth and ninth.

However, the back nine started badly for Dyson, who dropped shots at the par-four tenth and 11th.

Unfortunately, his lone birdie on the way home – at the par-five 16th – was sandwiched between dropped shots at the par-three 15th and par-four 17th.

Playing partner Alexander Noren, of Sweden, fared better, signing for a one-under par round of 69.