The Open 2011: Simon Dyson ready for Open challenge

Dyson finished one over par at the Open in 2010

York golfer Simon Dyson is hoping that conditions at the course at Sandwich will help his game at The Open.

It is the seventh time the 33-year old has competed in the tournament and he told BBC Radio York that links courses bring out the best in him.

"My best golf has come from links golf. If there was ever a major that would suit me and my type of game it would be a British Open.

"It never gets dull. You just need a bit of luck sometimes."

Dyson said the direction and the strength of the wind will be the biggest obstacle.

"At Castle Stewart last week it was changing every hour. One minute you'd be playing 18 down off the right, the next you be playing into off the left.

"That's the tricky thing about it. If you get the right wind obviously there's going to be a decent score. If you get the wrong wind it will play very tough.

"It's good they haven't done the rough too severe. We don't want the scenes of Carnoustie again where people were chopping it 10 yards out of the rough. It'll still make for any interesting tournament."

Dyson tees off for his first round at 0725 BST with Gary Woodland of the USA and Thomas Bjorn of Denmark.

He said: "I don't know Gary Woodland. All I know is he hits it an absolute mile. That should be interesting.

"I was meant to be playing with Vijay Singh but he's withdrawn. Last week me and Thomas were chatting on the range. I was first reserve and he was second reserve and we're playing together.

"I like Thomas. He's a good guy and I've got a lot of respect for him. I'll look forward to that."