Hillside …. 

Paul Dunne, and after eight tournaments on four different continents this new season, is hoping familiarity will breed a second Betfred British Masters this week at Hillside in England.

Dunne broke through in brilliant manner two years ago capturing a maiden Tour title by denying Rory McIlroy in the then Lee Westwood-hosted British Mastesr at Close House.

This week, local Southport hero Tommy Fleetwood is hosting the Euro 3.5m event at the Hillside course and lying adjacent to Royal Birkdale and where Padraig Harrington captured the 2008 Open and American Jordan Spieth two years ago was handed the Claret Jug.

The closest Dunne has got to either venue was a practice round at Royal Birkdale ahead of the 2015 Walker Cup at closeby Royal Lytham and St. Annes.

Aussie caddy Roger ‘Captain Morgan’ Morgan looks on as Paul Dunne plays his opening tee shot at the HIllside course (Photo @tourmiss)

“I got my first look at Hillside on Tuesday when Gavan (Moynihan) and I played a practice round while it’s great to be driving into the course each day down the roadway that leads to Royal Birkdale,” he said.

“The great thing, and after so much travel this year, I am back around a more familiar environments and being on the same time zone as back home in Ireland.

“This is my favourite part of the season and while I have been travelling a lot this year, and also having flown into the UK from the China Open, there is more of a comfortable element to my season now.

“I find it easier to get more work done and with the travelling between tour stops now we are in Europe, and that probably equates in about 12-hours more over the week that you can devote to your game.

“Another thing also, the body is not fighting different time zones and instead of so many long-haul flights we’re looking at much shorter fights and that’s definitely a big plus.”

The Greystones golfer tees-up looking to get back to the form that saw him chip-in for victory at Close House while there’s the goal of qualifying for July’s Open Championship at Royal Portrush.

“My goal is just trying to improve and get more comfortable with my game, so that I am giving myself chances to do well,” he said.

“At this stage, I’m not into The Open but I know if I keep improving then I know those doors like getting into The Open will open.

“If I can get myself into the ‘heat’ of tournaments then I can begin thinking about closing doors.”

Joining Dunne is fellow Irish Gavin Moynihan and Michael Hoey.