Second time around Dyson will put focus firmly on scorecard

Dyson went to the Masters then with an entourage of 15 family and friends.

This year, on his second start in the game’s iconic major, it is just him and his personal trainer James Thompson.

Where 2010 was about enjoying Augusta and all its trappings for the first time, 2012 is about focus.

“It was my first one so it was an amazing week,” recalls Dyson.

“Even though I missed the cut, and just by a shot, we still had an amazing weekend.

“We went and watched Westy (Lee Westwood) on the Sunday, had a few beers with the lads and Lyndsey (wife), and the weather was fab. There was about 15 of us, family and friends. But this year it’s just me and my trainer. I’m focused and down to business.”

The 34-year-old Malton professional may well feel Augusta owes him one.

After a fact-finding 77 on his first round two years ago, he put together a charge that hinted at qualification for the weekend, only for his mental strength to be rocked when a referee said he had grounded his club in a bunker.

“He came up to me on the 14th tee and told me I’d grounded my club in a hazard,” said Dyson, who signed for a 73 and missed the cut by one. “It kind of threw me a little bit. It does and it doesn’t sour the memory.

“But I’m a better player than I was two years ago. I got to 26th in the world and it is hard to get your head around the fact that you are 26th in the world.

“Then you’ve got to remember you are there for a reason because you’ve played some good golf.”

Today’s first round, which begins at 4.19pm UK time alongside 1988 champion Sandy Lyle and American rookie Conrad Mills, is his first competitive golf since the WGC-Cadillac Championship at Doral, Florida.

Dyson took an extended leave to be with wife Lyndsey and their daughter, who was born at the beginning of March. His form prior to that had been encouraging with Dyson making the cut in all of his tournaments this season.