Valentine’s Day in Jakarta and Simon Dyson spoke from the heart about his relationship with the Enjoy Jakarta Astro Indonesia Open on the eve of Thursday’s first round.
The Englishman captured the title 12 months ago for his first victory on The European Tour International Schedule, admitting it was a watershed in his golfing career.
From that moment on he was a more confident player and later that year the 29 year old made his breakthrough in Europe, winning The KLM Open in the Netherlands.
“My victory in Indonesia changed my life. I was grateful to everybody for putting the tournament on and likewise this week, especially after the flooding of last week,” said Dyson. “I never thought about not coming - I really want to be here and try to win the title again.”
In last year’s event Dyson closed with a final round of five under par 67 to end the brave charge of Australian Andrew Buckle on an enthralling, weather-affected final day at Emeralda Golf & Country Club.
This week there is a new challenge in the 7,120 yard, par 71 layout at Damai Indah Golf & Country Club and when Dyson tees off at 7.20am local time tomorrow, in the company of Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee and Filipino Frankie Minoza, he will be drawing on some fond memories of his battle with Buckle.
“I actually remember a lot about it, as I have watched it quite a bit on the DVDs The European Tour sent me,” explained Dyson. “Take that eight away from Andrew and it’s a totally different story. But on the other hand, you could say the eight made him think he had nothing to lose, so he went for everything and everything went right for him.
“The break (for lightning) did not help me as the momentum was with me. He had just made eight and I had just made eagle. It was a good tussle. Andrew is a fantastic player and he is showing that out in America.
“At the minute I am very tired, but I am coming into this week with some good form. I finished seventh in Dubai and third last week, so I am looking forward to putting up a good defence.
“I think there are some really good holes out there, although it would more interesting if it were a lot more bouncy as it’s a bit like target golf at the moment because it is so soft. You have to drive the ball well and that has been the best aspect of my game over the past few weeks.”
While Dyson arrived in Jakarta in good form the same could not be said of the 2005 winner, Thailand’s Thaworn Wiratchant, who has missed his last two cuts (one on The European Tour and one on the Asian Tour).
“I am not in form right now and went home to Thailand after missing the cut in Malaysia to work on my game. My putting and iron play let me down last week,” explained Wiratchant. "Working in Thailand has helped me and I feel more confident as a result."
