Mind doctor gives Lyle head start

Proof that the game of golf is played as much in the mind as on the course can be found in Sandy Lyle's resurgent performance.

Lyle's first round oneunderpar 70 was his first score of 70 or better in 23 rounds of the major.

And the 1985 champion credits his first visit to a sports psychologist for the marked difference in his game.

The 46-year-old Scot revealed: "I've only recently started working with Dr Noel Blundell and the good news is that I can see it paying off already."

Lyle came to Troon having failed to manage a top 25 finish in 13 European Tour tournaments this season.

"It had got to the stage where I had no idea where my shots were going," he said.

"Without getting too technical, I was doing all sorts of things wrong as I strived to get it right again.

"But after talking to Noel it's all started to click back into place and I feel the best about my game in a long time."