YORK-BORN Simon Dyson was one of the later starters in today’s high-class BMW International Open in Munich, writes Tony Kelly.

The 33-year-old Dyson, who knows a solid performance over the four days of the tournament would effectively seal a place in next month’s 140th Open championships at Royal St George’s GC in Kent, was opening his campaign shortly after lunch.

He has been paired alongside Australian ace Richard Green and former Ryder Cup player Oliver Wilson with whom Dyson was a star pairing in the Vivendi Trophy and Seve Trophy team tournaments three years ago.

Currently 72 in the world rankings, Malton & Norton GC’s Dyson, has targeted today’s event at the Golfclub Munchen Eichenried as one of six successive Europe-based competitions in which to strive for an upswing in the world ratings.

Harrogate GC’s John Parry was due to hit the first shot at Munich today as part of an all-England match featuring Anthony Wall and Gary Boyd.